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.