It is common knowledge that the English language has a largely idiomatic nature and hardly any other language can compete with it in this respect. Extensive knowledge of French idioms is not necessary for everyday communication. However, it’s very useful for more ambitious learners who wish to have a full understanding of TV commercials, newspapers, and French movies. A comprehensive grasp of French idioms is also advised for the sake of successful socialization. Idioms, after all, constitute an inherent element of pun, jokes, and sayings.
The Meanings of French Idioms Starting with “A”
The following list contains translation of 14 most frequently used French idioms. You can learn two a day and, over the course of one week, you will be able to remember all of them.
- Abois - être aux abois – to be in trouble
- Abbatre – abbatre de la besogne – to work effectively
- Abonder – abonder dans le sens de qn – to agree with someone
- Abord – être d’un abord facile – to be approachable
- D’abord, tout d’abord – first of all
- De prime abord – at first glance
- Tomber d’accord – to agree on something, to reach a compromise
- Advienne que pourra – whatever happens
- En bas age – in young age
- Avoir l’air de – to seem, to look like
- Prendre l’air – to take a walk
- Cela va sans dire – it’s obvious
- Avoir charge d’âme – to be responsible for someone
- C’est l’enface de l’art – it’s a piece of cake
How to Learn French Idioms Effectively
The study of idioms in any language, in the long run, may turn into a very tedious task. Students of idioms often give up on this endeavor half-way through as they can’t see direct results. In order to keep a positive insight into the role and importance of idiomatic expressions in a language, it’s advised to learn no more than 2 idioms per day and include some variety into the learning scheme.
Studying idioms can be conjoined with the study of new vocabulary or sentence formation. A very good exercise which helps to memorize idioms is forming sentences and expressions containing several idiomatic expressions:
Tu es aux abois et c’est clair de l’eau de roche – It’s absolutely clear that you are in trouble.
Another good way to learn idioms is the use of pictures. You can print pictures corresponding to the meaning of different idioms and hang them on the wall. Change it every week or two. It will remind you of the meaning of each idiom and build an image in your mind so you’ll never confuse it with other idioms.
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