10 French idiomatic expressions with animals

Animals have always been an important part of French language and culture, and they often appear in many idiomatic expressions.

These expressions can be difficult to understand for non-native speakers, but once you learn them, they can add some fun and humor to your conversations.

Here are some common French idiomatic expressions with animals and their meanings:

1. “Poser un lapin” – “To stand someone up”

This expression means to fail to show up for a meeting or appointment, leaving the other person waiting. The idiom originates from the idea of a rabbit (un lapin) that was supposed to be caught but never appeared.

2. “Avoir un chat dans la gorge” – “To have a frog in one’s throat”

This expression means to have a sore throat or to be unable to speak clearly. The idiom originates from the idea of a cat (un chat) or a frog (une grenouille) that is blocking one’s voice.

3. “Être une poule mouillée” – “To be a coward”

This expression means to be very cowardly or easily scared. The idiom originates from the idea of a wet chicken (une poule mouillée) that is helpless and vulnerable.

4. “Appeler un chat un chat” – “To call a spade a spade”

This expression means to speak honestly and directly, without sugarcoating or avoiding the truth. The idiom originates from the idea of a cat (un chat) that is called by its real name.

5. “Avoir un cheval de bataille” – “To have a pet topic”

This expression means to have a topic that one is passionate about or enjoys talking about frequently. The idiom originates from the idea of a horse (un cheval) that is a favorite or a pet.

6. “Faire d’une mouche un éléphant” – “To make a mountain out of a molehill”

This expression means to exaggerate or blow a situation out of proportion. The idiom originates from the idea of a fly (une mouche) that is made into an elephant (un éléphant), which is a much larger and more serious animal.

7. “Avoir un œil de lynx” – “To have eagle eyes”

This expression means to have very sharp eyesight or to be very observant. The idiom originates from the idea of a lynx (un lynx) or an eagle (un aigle) that can see very far and very clearly.

8. “C’est la bête noire de quelqu’un” – “It’s someone’s pet peeve”

This expression means that something is a source of annoyance or frustration for someone. The idiom originates from the idea of a black beast (une bête noire) that is often associated with something that is feared or disliked.

9. “Être malin comme un singe” – “To be very clever”

This expression means to be very clever or to have a lot of intelligence. The idiom originates from the idea of a monkey (un singe) that is often portrayed as being very clever and resourceful.

10. “Avoir la chair de poule” – “To have goosebumps”

This expression means to have the sensation of goosebumps, usually due to cold or fear. The idiom originates from the idea that when a person’s skin becomes bumpy, it looks like the skin of a plucked chicken.

By learning these French idiomatic expressions with animals, you can add some fun and humor to your conversations. Be sure to practice these expressions so that you can communicate with confidence and convey your ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Bonus:

1. “Donner sa langue au chat” – “To give up guessing”

This expression means to give up guessing or to admit that one doesn’t know the answer. The idiom originates from the idea of a cat (un chat) that is trying to catch a tongue (une langue) that is stuck in the throat.

2. “Être comme un poisson dans l’eau” – “To feel at ease”

This expression means to feel very comfortable and relaxed in a situation. The idiom originates from the idea of a fish (un poisson) that is swimming in its natural environment, the water.

3. “Être une vache à lait” – “To be a cash cow”

This expression means to be a source of constant profit or income for someone else. The idiom originates from the idea of a cow (une vache) that produces milk regularly, which can be sold for a profit.