Within each language, there are phrases that are simply untranslatable in a literal sense. Of course not every word or phrase is universal, so each language has its own special way of expressing certain thoughts, feelings, etc. Here are some of my favorite french idioms that, when translated to English (literally), are absolutely wonderful. One should use them at least once a day, à mon avis.

Allez!

1. Faire l’andouille

Literal translation: To make the sausage

What it actually means: To do something ridiculous

How to use it: Je lui ai dit d’arrêter, mais il continue de faire l’andouille.

-- I told him to stop, but he continues to be ridiculous.

2. Donner sa langue au chat:

Literal translation: To give ones’s tongue to the cat

What it actually means: To have absolutely no idea or that you give up

How to use it: Qu'est-ce qu'il a dit? Bah, je donne ma langue au chat!

-- What did he say? Ohh, I have no idea!

3. Poser un lapin

Literal translation: To put a rabbit

What is actually means: To stand someone up

How to use it: Hier, il m'a posé un lapin à Le Louvre.

-- Yesterday, he stood up me at the Louvre.

4. Devenir chèvre

Literal translation: To become a goat

What it actually means: To become extremely angry

How to use it: Je vais devenir chèvre si tu n’arrête pas ça!

-- I will become furious if you do not stop that!

5. Avoir la patate

Literal translation: To have the potato

What it actually means: To feel energized

How to use it: Maintenant, j’ai la patate! Allez-y!

- Now, I’m feeling energized! Let's go!

6. Chanter en yaourt

Literal translation: To sing through yogurt

What it actually means: To sing along to something you don’t necessarily know all the lyrics to

How to use: Généralement, je chante en yaourt.

-- Usually, I sing along without knowing the lyrics.

7. AH, la vache!

Literal translation: Oh, the cow!

What it actually means: “Oh my god!” or “Holy cow”

How to use it: Ah la vache, je pense pas qu’il le ferait.

-- Oh my god, I didn’t think he would do it.

8. Chercher la petite bête

Literal translation: to search for the little beast

What it actually means: to always look for something to complain about

How to use it: Quand nous sortons manger, tu cherche toujours la petite bête.

-- Whenever we go out to eat, you aways look for something to complain about.

9. Zut alors!

Literal translation: No literal translation

What it actually means: “Holy smokes” or “Damnit”

How to use: Personne 1: J’ai oublié mon passeport! Personne 2: Zut alors!!!

-- Person 1: I forgot my passport! Person 2: Damnit!

10. Avoir une peur bleue

Literal translation: To have a blue fear

What it actually means: To be terrified

How to use: Elles ont une peur bleue des chevaux.

-- They are extremely terrified of horses.