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The double meaning of brassage
Hop to it with a brewing phrase used in a sporting context
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When and why do we say on va pas chercher midi à quatorze heures?
Find out what this amusing French expression means so you can start to use it in your conversations
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The origins and meaning of être frais comme un gardon
Use this fishy French phrase when someone is looking fresh-faced
‘Casse-tête’: this French phrase is a conundrum or head-scratcher
We explore when to use this useful expression if a puzzle is ‘breaking your head’
Casse-tête translates as brain teaser, puzzle, or more broadly, challenge.
A literal translation of casse-tête is 'head breaker'.
In everyday French, a casse-tête is a puzzle game that can be played by one or more players.
Read more: Thousands play Wordle-like word game inspired by old French TV show
These include mechanical puzzles such as Rubik’s cubes, number games such as sodoku and even card games such as solitaire.
While such games are played for fun and entertainment, there is also an element of logical or mathematical deduction that can be challenging for the mind too.
The French expression refers to this mental challenge.
In this sense, a casse-tête is a problem that is difficult (or even impossible) to solve, or a problem that is so annoying it becomes a headache.
It is often used to describe a situation in life where you cannot see a way through or do not know what to do for the best.
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