Language

Learning French: when and why do we say racler les fonds de tiroir?

An expression for when funds are running desperately low

Learning French: when and why do we say de fil en aiguille?

An expression to reflect a gradual progression

Learning French: the origins and meaning of tenir au jus

A juicy saying for when you want to be kept in the loop

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Learning French: helpful vocabulary for finding an artisan in France

Hiring artisans can be costly... use these essential terms to navigate the process effectively

Learning French: when and why do we say mettre la main à la pâte?

This French phrase has little to do with pâte or dough and is useful when you need to ‘get stuck into' a task

Learning French: what does top départ mean and when should it be used?

A handy phrase to indicate that an event is underway

Learning French: five short talk radio shows to improve your language skills

Improve your French comprehension with these quick, insightful broadcasts that can also be listened to as podcasts

Learning French: when and why do we say être bien dans ses baskets?

Watch out for false friends in this saying about self-confidence

Learning French: the origins and meaning of faire fissa

Chop-chop, hurry up, get a move on…

Learning French: when and why do we say avoir la boule au ventre?

A phrase for when you are feeling stressed or nervous

Learning French: what does que dalle mean and when should it be used?

Level-up your casual French by using this term instead of rien

Learning French: the origins and meaning of boire la tasse

A phrase for admitting defeat

Learning French: the meaning of tiret du six versus tiret du huit

Plus, how to tell someone your email address in French

Learning French: the origins and meaning of piger

A slang word for measuring comprehension… that has nothing to do with pigs

Il est or c’est: how to remember when to use the right expression in French

Some key grammar rules can help with this sometimes-tricky French phrase

Learning French: beware of bilingual instructions

Language notes from a lecturer on the pitfalls of translation

Learning French: unravelling popular shortcuts and contractions

From ado to télé, which words are commonly shortened in everyday French?

Learning French: decoding alphabet expressions

We explore the nuances of letter usage in acronyms and idioms

Learning French: what does paumé mean and when should it be used?

An informal way of saying you are literally or figuratively lost

Immigration chief replies to Connexion over French residency cards and ‘hard’ language tests

‘There will always be some who say the new level is too high, but the current A1 requirement is insufficient to integrate successfully, for example for work. It’s extremely basic.’

Learning French: what does c'est pas la peine mean and when should it be used?

A useful phrase to describe useless actions

Learning French: what is the difference between voir and voire?

These words both sound exactly the same but have different meanings

Learning French: the origins and meaning of apporter de l'eau au moulin

This saying does not have a true English equivalent

Learning French: which affectionate nicknames do French couples love?

Pet names such as bébé or chaton might be heard if spending Valentine’s Day in France

Learning French: when and why do we say chaque chose en son temps

A reminder to slow down and be present

Nine idiomatic French expressions about your health

There are plenty of French phrases to describe your illness whatever it is

Learning French: the origins and meaning of déclarer sa flamme

A fiery statement for declarations of love

Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir le cœur qui bat la chamade

An expression to send your heart racing

Learning French: when and why do we say vivre d’amour et d’eau fraîche?

A handy phrase used to admire or criticise

Learning French: what does franchement mean and when should it be used?

A multi-functional filler word for honest conversations

Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir un cœur d'artichaut

A peculiar yet poetic phrase to describe hopeless romantics

Learning French: when and why do we say fais gaffe?

Understand the difference between 'fais gaffe,' 'faire une gaffe,' and 'gaffer'

Learning French: helpful vocabulary around cheese

Key cheese words for navigating the fromagerie - and how many types exist in France?

Learning French: when and why do we say avoir un coup de cœur?

You will be obsessed with this heart-themed phrase

Learning French: what does grosso modo mean and when should it be used?

Say this when summarising

Learning French: when and why do we say c'est la cour des miracles

Few people today know the origins behind this expression that describes somewhere unwelcoming or chaotic

Learning French: the origins and meaning of se faire mener en bateau

A sailing metaphor for when you have been lied to or taken advantage of

Learning French: why chouette does not always refer to owls

This cool word with a double meaning will make your head spin

Learning French: what does tant pis mean and when should it be used?

We also look at how to pronounce this everyday reaction to something gone wrong

Films and series to watch in February to improve your French

Every month we outline good film and TV series to improve your language

Learning French: when and why do we say entendre le même son de cloche?

A handy saying for when two or more people have harmonising opinions

Learning French: the origins and meaning of c'est le pompon (sur la Garonne)

An amusing expression for when you have reached your limit

Learning French: when and why would we describe someone as un Bisounours?

This cute cultural reference is actually used to criticise

Learning French: when and why do we say être habillé comme l'as de pique?

An expression to insult someone’s fashion choices

Learning French: what does ça va aller mean and when should it be used?

A popular multipurpose phrase to use when offering reassurance and encouragement

Learning French: the origins and meaning of vendre la mèche

An explosive idiom for when someone exposes a secret

Learning French: ça m'est égal and other phrases for expressing indifference and indecision

‘Peu importe’, ‘je m’en fiche’, ‘tout me va’… how to get out of making a decision in French

Learning French: se gaver and other terms to describe overeating

It is also an informal way to describe being obsessed with or irritated by something

Learning French: the origins and meaning of se lever du pied gauche

A useful saying to describe someone who is in a bad mood

Learning French: when and why do we say être un rat?

Use this word to describe someone who is unwilling to spend money

Learning French: when and why do we say être dans de beaux draps?

A misleading phrase to describe being in a tricky situation

Learning French: expressions featuring the number 36

Did you know about the mysterious origins behind France’s equivalent to umpteen?

Learning French: what does flipper mean and when should it be used?

An informal word for when you are red with rage or white with fear

Duck Cold! Four French phrases to use when it is freezing outside

France's current cold spell is set to continue for the next few days - we remind you of French expressions to use to describe the drop in temperature

Learning French: what does nickel mean and when should it be used?

A popular term to describe cleanliness or perfection

Learning French: when and why do we say appuyer sur le champignon?

A quick expression for when you feel the need for speed

Learning French: why être habillé pour l'hiver is rarely about your clothes

There is a figurative meaning behind this phrase that literally describes wrapping up for cold weather

Learning French: the origins and meaning of chanter en yaourt

An iconic phrase for when you do not know the words to a song

Learning French: être KO and more sleepy slang sayings

Shattered, knackered, exhausted… words for when you are low on energy

Learning French: jeter un coup d’œil and other eye expressions

Check out this curious phrase to describe taking a glance at something

Learning French: when and why do we say bien joué?

Have you heard the verlan variation of this phrase used to give praise?

Learning French: what does d’accord mean and when should it be used?

A handy word to express approval or agreement

Learning French: ne tenir qu'à un fil and other tenir phrases

This handy expression stems from the mythological personifications of destiny

Learning French: helpful vocabulary around potatoes

Get spud smart with this guide - and learn the link between potatoes and swearing

Learning French: words around parking can be confusing

Why do people say un parking to mean ‘car park’?

A pinch-me moment of realisation over bad French ad

A local restaurant's billboard advert raised eyebrows over its reference to a murder case from 1991

Curiosities of the French language: How to say Happy New Year?

When it is time to welcome in 2025, what will you say?

How phonetic exercises can help improve your French

Do you know your ‘u’ from your ‘ou’?

Famous people whose English names are funny in French

From presidents to performers, none are spared from mirth in France

Learning French: a boggling choice of words for animal droppings

The French language has a richer repertoire of words than English

Improve your French: Our pick of the best language learning apps for 2025

Take your time to find one that suits your language level and goals for writing, listening and speaking

9 French expressions with the word gueule

Originating in Middle French, gueule is a term that often appears in French slang

Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year

Improving your French can be as easy as settling down in front of the small screen

Learning French: from tout de suite to toot sweet

An essential saying to describe something urgent or immediate

Learning French: what does la galère mean and when should it be used?

A slang saying for when the going gets tough