20 French idiomatic expressions with body parts
French idiomatic expressions with body parts can be challenging for non-native speakers, but they add color and humor to conversations. Here are some common French idiomatic expressions with body parts and their meanings:
1. “Avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre” – “To bite off more than one can chew”
This expression means to take on more than one can handle or to be overly ambitious. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s eyes (les yeux) being bigger than their stomach (le ventre), indicating a desire for more food than they can actually eat.
2. “Avoir la tête dans les nuages” – “To have one’s head in the clouds”
This expression means to be lost in thought or to be dreamy and absent-minded. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s head (la tête) being up in the clouds, indicating a disconnection from reality.
3. “Avoir les chevilles qui enflent” – “To have a big head”
This expression means to have an inflated sense of self-importance or to be conceited. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s ankles (les chevilles) swelling, which was once believed to be a symptom of arrogance.
4. “Donner un coup de main” – “To give a helping hand”
This expression means to help someone or to lend a hand. The idiom originates from the idea of a person using their hand (la main) to give a push or a boost to someone in need.
5. “Avoir le cœur sur la main” – “To wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve”
This expression means to be very generous or to be open about one’s emotions. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s heart (le cœur) being visible on their sleeve, indicating a vulnerability and openness.
6. “Avoir le bras long” – “To have influence”
This expression means to have a lot of power or influence. The idiom originates from the idea of a person having a long arm (le bras), which can reach far and manipulate things from a distance.
7. “Avoir les jambes en coton” – “To have weak legs”
This expression means to feel weak or shaky, usually due to nervousness or exhaustion. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s legs (les jambes) feeling like cotton, indicating a lack of strength and stability.
8. “Avoir la langue bien pendue” – “To be a chatterbox”
This expression means to talk a lot or to have a loose tongue. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s tongue (la langue) hanging out of their mouth, indicating a tendency to talk excessively.
9. “Avoir les oreilles qui sifflent” – “To have one’s ears burning”
This expression means to have a feeling that someone is talking about you behind your back. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s ears (les oreilles) burning or tingling, which was once believed to be a sign of someone talking about them.
10. “Avoir du nez” – “To have a good sense of smell”
This expression means to have a good intuition or a knack for finding things. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s nose (le nez) being able to detect scents, indicating a sharp sense of intuition.
11. “Avoir la dent dure” – “To hold a grudge”
This expression means to have a long-lasting resentment towards someone. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s teeth (la dent) being hard, indicating a tendency to hold on to negative feelings.
12. “Avoir la peau dure” – “To have thick skin”
This expression means to be able to withstand criticism or difficult situations without being affected. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s skin (la peau) being thick, indicating a resilience to negative feedback or challenges.
13. “Avoir le couteau sous la gorge” – “To have a knife at one’s throat”
This expression means to be under pressure or in a difficult situation where one’s options are limited. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s throat (la gorge) being threatened by a knife, indicating a sense of urgency and danger.
14. “Avoir le pied marin” – “To have sea legs”
This expression means to be able to tolerate the motion of a boat or to be an experienced sailor. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s feet (le pied) being able to adjust to the movement of a ship, indicating a skill or experience in navigating the sea.
15. “Avoir la main verte” – “To have a green thumb”
This expression means to have a natural talent or ability for gardening or taking care of plants. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s hand (la main) being able to make plants grow, indicating a skill or expertise in gardening.
16. “Avoir les doigts de fée” – “To have a magic touch”
This expression means to have a special talent or skill in making things by hand. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s fingers (les doigts) having a magical ability to create beautiful things.
17. “Avoir les cheveux en bataille” – “To have messy hair”
This expression means to have untidy or disheveled hair. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s hair (les cheveux) being in a battle, indicating a messy and unkempt appearance.
18. “Avoir la tête sur les épaules” – “To have a level head”
This expression means to have a practical and realistic approach to things. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s head (la tête) being on their shoulders (les épaules), indicating a grounded and sensible attitude.
19. “Avoir le nez creux” – “To have a good intuition”
This expression means to have a sharp and accurate sense of intuition or instinct. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s nose (le nez) being able to detect something hidden or subtle, indicating a keen awareness and intuition.
20. “Avoir la tête en l’air” – “To be absent-minded”
This expression means to be forgetful or to have a tendency to be distracted. The idiom originates from the idea of a person’s head (la tête) being up in the air, indicating a disconnection from the surroundings and a lack of focus.
By learning these French idiomatic expressions with body parts, you can add some humor and color 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.