HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

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HELP GUIDES

Income Tax in France

Healthcare in France

Inheritance Law and Wills in France

Visas and residency cards for France

Mettre les pieds dans le plat: Fun French expression no. 5

A similar expression exists in English, can you work out what it is?

A baby with its feet covered in cream in the air with a cake in front of them
Getting your feet somewhere they should not be is rarely a good thing
William Upton William Upton
Published Modified

Do not get in between a French person and their food. The fifth entry in the series of amusing French expressions involves someone getting their feet where they are not supposed to. 

Mettre les pieds dans le plat

Literal translation: To put your feet in the dish 

This refers to when someone says something without thinking that it might be rude or make other people uncomfortable. Plat in this case means meal or dish. 

The expression can also mean something intentionally rude or uncomfortable and lacking tact. 

The closest English equivalent would be ‘to put your foot in your mouth’, with a similar imagery of putting your feet where they should not be. 

Read more: On va pas chercher midi à quatorze heures : Fun French expression no. 1

Read more: Péter dans la soie: Fun French expression no. 3

Do you have a favourite amusing French expression? Share it with us at feedback@connexionfrance.com 

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