As the festive season unfolds, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a seasonal treat. Last night, I enjoyed a festive supper: un vin chaud (a mulled wine) and a delicious mince pie—miam-miam !
As I savoured my evening snack, it got me thinking: the French language has some fabulous expressions inspired by food and baking—perfectly suited to this time of year. Let’s explore them together!
French Expressions Inspired by Food
1. Mi-figue, mi-raisin – Half fig, half grape
This phrase describes something that’s neither entirely good nor bad—what we might call “so-so” or “mixed” in English. It can also mean “lukewarm,” depending on the context.
2. La cerise sur le gâteau – The icing on the cake
Just like in English, this expression refers to the finishing touch that makes something truly special.
3. Les yeux en amande – Almond-shaped eyes
When my daughter was born, my French relatives exclaimed that she had les yeux en amande! (You can also say d’amande.)
4. Couper la poire en deux – To cut the pear in two
This means to share something equally or to find a fair compromise.
5. Garder la poire pour la soif – To save the pear for thirst
Equivalent to “saving for a rainy day,” this phrase is about putting something aside for the future.
6. Partir en cacahuète – To go downhill
A fun way of saying that something has gone wrong or is out of control!
7. Compter pour du beurre – To count for butter
If something compte pour du beurre, it means it’s insignificant or doesn’t matter.
8. Vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre – To want the butter and the money for the butter
Similar to the English saying “to have your cake and eat it too,” this expression is about wanting it all without compromise.
9. Faire recette – To make a recipe
In a figurative sense, it means “to be a success.”
10. Je ne peux pas être au four et au moulin – I can’t be at the oven and the mill
A charming way to say, “I can’t be in two places at once.”
Fun Facts: Homophones in French
Did you know that une amande (an almond) and une amende (a fine) sound exactly the same? They’re homophones—words that sound alike but have different meanings.
Here’s a handy trick to remember which is which:
- Une amande contains an “a,” just like “almond.”
- Une amende has an “e,” like the “e” in “penalty.”
Hopefully, you’ve never had to pay une amende in France!
Add a Touch of French to Your Festivities
As we enjoy seasonal treats like mince pies and festive drinks, why not sprinkle in some French flair with these delightful expressions? They not only enrich your vocabulary but also give a glimpse into how closely food and culture are tied in the French language.
Je vous souhaite une belle journée,
Frannie x
Très intéressant. Merci 🙏