💡 Learn
French Expressions That DON'T Translate
The translation trap
French speakers translate French idioms word-for-word into English. Sometimes it works ("la balle est dans ton camp" → "the ball is in your court"). Usually it doesn't, and you end up saying something that confuses or amuses English speakers.
10 French expressions and what to say instead
Say: "I've got bigger fish to fry" or "I've got other things to deal with."
Close! English uses fish too, but it's "bigger fish to fry" — not "other." And definitely not cats.
Say: "It's not my cup of tea."
The English version uses tea, not coffee. Very British. Means "I don't enjoy it" or "it's not for me."
Say: "I'm in good spirits" or "I'm feeling positive."
"I have the moral" means nothing in English. "Moral" = ethical principle. "Morale" (with an e) = team spirit, but you don't "have" it personally.
Say: "I'm not feeling myself" or "I'm a bit off today."
"Not in my plate" will confuse everyone. "Not feeling myself" = not 100%, slightly unwell or distracted.
Say: "I fainted" or "I passed out."
No fruit involved in English. Just the plain verb.
Say: "It's the last straw" or "That's it — game over."
English uses straw (from "the straw that broke the camel's back"), not beans.
Say: "He's lazy" or "He doesn't pull his weight."
The French image is hilarious to English speakers. "Doesn't pull his weight" = doesn't do his share of work.
Say: "I'd like to put in my two cents" (US) or "Can I add something?"
English uses "two cents" (US) or "two pennies' worth" (UK) — not salt.
Say: "I'm feeling down" or "I'm a bit blue."
No insects involved. "Feeling blue" or "feeling down" = sad, low mood.
Say: "I'm taking a long weekend" or "I'm bridging the gap between the holiday and the weekend."
"Faire le pont" doesn't exist in English. Just explain: "The holiday is on Thursday so I'm taking Friday off too."
The rule
Before translating a French expression, ask: "Would this image make sense to someone who doesn't speak French?" If not, find the English equivalent — or just say it plainly. Clear beats colourful when the colour doesn't translate.
🤖 LEFO - Learn English Fast Online
- Connected
This is an example of lesson expand exercise with AI chatbox interface. Follow the instructions and respond in the chatbox.
Lesson Expand
LEFO
Let’s practise!
Fix these French-influenced restaurant phrases:
- ‘I take the salmon, please.’
- ‘Can we have the addition?’
- ‘I am allergic at nuts.’
Type your corrected versions!
Message LEFO...
This unit is for Practice members
or
Full access is included when you take individual sessions.
For regular students, an account will be set up for you during your first class. For AI members only, once the payment is processed (give a valid phone number during payment) your access will be given shortly. If you have any issues, please feel free to contact me:
Email: joseph@learnenglishfast.online
WhatsApp: 07 68 15 80 96
Log in / Connection