Idioms are fixed expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words, so they show cultural flavor and help you sound natural. This guide collects some of the most useful and widely understood idioms for everyday situations.
Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are set phrases that native speakers use instinctively, so learning them boosts fluency and comprehension. Each one includes a short explanation and an example sentence.
Avoir le cafard
___Avoir le cafard___ literally means "to have the cockroach," but idiomatically it means to feel down or depressed. Use it when someone is in a gloomy mood.
Today, I feel down because it has been raining all the time.
Donner sa langue au chat
___Donner sa langue au chat___ literally means "to give one's tongue to the cat," and is used when you give up trying to guess or answer a question. It's a playful way to admit defeat.
Coûter les yeux de la tête
___Coûter les yeux de la tête___ literally means "to cost the eyes from the head," and idiomatically it describes something very expensive or overpriced. Use it to exaggerate cost.
Useful Phrases
Useful phrases include common idioms that come up in daily conversation and help you navigate social interactions smoothly. They often appear in spoken French.
Mettre son grain de sel
___Mettre son grain de sel___ literally means "to put in one's grain of salt," and it means to give an unsolicited opinion or interfere slightly. Use it when someone adds their two cents.
Faire la grasse matinée
___Faire la grasse matinée___ literally means "to do the fat morning," and idiomatically it means to sleep in or stay in bed late. It's a pleasant expression for weekend laziness.
Être dans la lune
___Être dans la lune___ literally means "to be in the moon," and it describes someone who is distracted or daydreaming. Use it when someone is not paying attention.
Summary
Idioms enrich your speech with cultural nuance and memorability, so learn a handful of common expressions and practice using them in context. This guide covers some of the most useful idioms for everyday French.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025