10 Most Used French Idiomatic Expressions (and What They Really Mean!)

Living in France or Switzerland? Mastering French idioms is one of the best ways to sound more natural, understand locals, and connect culturally. If you’re an expatriate navigating daily life in a French-speaking environment, you've probably heard some expressions that don't quite make sense—at least not literally.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the most common French idiomatic expressions, explain their real meanings, and show you how to use them like a local.

Why Learn French Idioms?

French idioms—or expressions idiomatiques—are phrases that can’t be understood word-for-word. They reflect cultural nuances, humor, and everyday situations. Knowing them will help you:

• Understand casual conversations

• Connect better with locals

• Sound more fluent and less textbook

• Avoid embarrassing misunderstandings 😅

🗣️ 1. “Ça marche !”

Literal translation: That walks!

Actual meaning: That works! / Okay!

Example:– On se retrouve à 18h devant la gare ?– Ça marche !

This is a casual way to agree with a plan. Think of it as the French version of “Sounds good!”

🐍 2. “Il fait un temps de chien”

Literal translation: It’s dog weather

Actual meaning: The weather is terrible

Used especially in rainy, stormy, or very cold conditions.

Example:Je ne vais pas sortir aujourd’hui, il fait un temps de chien.

🧠 3. “Avoir le cafard”

Literal translation: To have the cockroach

Actual meaning: To feel down or depressed

This quirky expression means you’re feeling gloomy or melancholic.

Example:Depuis qu’elle est partie, j’ai le cafard.

🧂 4. “Mettre son grain de sel”

Literal translation: To put in one’s grain of salt

Actual meaning: To give an unsolicited opinion

When someone adds their two cents—even when no one asked.

Example:Il faut toujours qu’il mette son grain de sel, même quand ça ne le regarde pas.

🦶 5. “Casser les pieds à quelqu’un”

Literal translation: To break someone’s feet

Actual meaning: To annoy someone

Informal and often used when someone is really getting on your nerves.

Example:Tu me casses les pieds avec tes questions !

🍞 6. “Avoir du pain sur la planche”

Literal translation: To have bread on the cutting board

Actual meaning: To have a lot to do

Used when you're overwhelmed with work or responsibilities.

Example:Avec ce nouveau projet, on a du pain sur la planche.

💨 7. “Partir en coup de vent”

Literal translation: To leave in a gust of wind

Actual meaning: To leave quickly / in a rush

Example:Désolé, je dois partir en coup de vent, j’ai une réunion dans 10 minutes.

👃 8. “Se mêler de ses oignons”

Literal translation: To mind your onions

Actual meaning: Mind your own business

Used when someone is interfering in things that don't concern them.

Example:Tu ferais mieux de te mêler de tes oignons.

🐟 9. “Être comme un poisson dans l’eau”

Literal translation: To be like a fish in water

Actual meaning: To be very comfortable or in your element

Example:Depuis qu’il a déménagé en Suisse, il est comme un poisson dans l’eau.

🧀 10. “Ce n’est pas la mer à boire”

Literal translation: It’s not the sea to drink

Actual meaning: It’s not a big deal

Use it to downplay a task or calm someone down.

Example:Allez, fais-le ! Ce n’est pas la mer à boire.

Bonus Tips for Using French Idioms

• Start slow: Use one or two idioms in casual conversation to test the waters.

• Listen actively: Watch French TV, listen to podcasts, or chat with locals to hear idioms in context.

• Practice with locals: Don’t be afraid to ask what an expression means if you don’t understand it.

Want to practice these idioms in real life?

One of the best ways to master expressions like these is through online private French lessons or online French conversation classes. With a teacher to guide you, you’ll not only learn the meaning of idioms but also when and how to use them naturally in conversation. This kind of practice helps you build confidence, improve fluency, and sound more authentic when speaking French.

Final Thoughts

Learning French idiomatic expressions is more than just improving your language—it’s about adapting to the culture, building connections, and feeling at home in France or Switzerland.

Next time someone says “Il fait un temps de chien”, you’ll smile, nod, and know exactly what they mean J 

Audrey, your French teacher.