The French language is rich with expressions that incorporate food, often in humorous or unexpected ways.
Many of these French food idioms go beyond their literal meaning and provide insight into French culture, history, and humor. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most intriguing culinary idioms.
1. Pédaler dans la semoule
Literal translation: To pedal in semolina
Meaning: To struggle without making progress
This phrase is used to describe someone who is trying hard but getting nowhere, much like pedaling through thick semolina would be an impossible task.
2. Être dans les choux
Literal translation: To be in the cabbages
Meaning: To be in trouble or fail at something
This expression likely comes from a distortion of an old French phrase, and today it is often used when someone performs poorly in a competition or exam.
3. En faire tout un fromage
Literal translation: To make a whole cheese out of it
Meaning: To exaggerate a situation
Since cheese-making is a long and complicated process, this idiom suggests that someone is making a big deal out of something insignificant.
4. Avoir la pêche / la banane / la patate
Literal translation: To have the peach / banana / potato
Meaning: To be full of energy
Different fruits and vegetables symbolize enthusiasm and vitality in French. Saying “J’ai la pêche !” means “I’m feeling great!”
5. Mettre du beurre dans les épinards
Literal translation: To put butter in the spinach
Meaning: To improve one’s financial situation
Spinach on its own may be nutritious but bland, so adding butter makes it richer. This phrase refers to improving one’s standard of living with additional income.
6. Avoir un œil au beurre noir
Literal translation: To have a black butter eye
Meaning: To have a black eye
This French idiom vividly describes the appearance of a bruised eye, as if it were covered in darkened butter.
7. Tomber dans les pommes
Literal translation: To fall into the apples
Meaning: To faint
The origins of this phrase are unclear, but it has been in use since the 19th century to describe someone who loses consciousness.
8. Ne pas être dans son assiette
Literal translation: Not to be in one’s plate
Meaning: To feel unwell
Despite the reference to a plate, this expression has nothing to do with food. “Assiette” used to mean “state of being,” so the phrase implies someone is not feeling like themselves.
French food idioms add color and character to everyday conversations. They not only reflect France’s deep connection with food but also its playfulness with language. Next time you hear someone “pedaling in semolina” or “falling into the apples,” you’ll know exactly what they mean!
Want to know more French food idioms? Try our Conversational French Lessons in Paris!
