Learning French

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Woman on grassy riverbank pointing at a fish in clear shallow water

Use this fishy phrase when someone is looking fresh-faced

Shutterstock/AI

Published Tuesday 23 June 2026 - 11:30 Modified Friday 03 July 2026 - 11:42

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The French love using idioms in everyday conversations, however these unique sayings can sound completely bizarre when translated literally into English.

It is useful to understand their figurative meaning to avoid confusion when chatting with locals.

French-speakers use this expression feeling fresh.

Can you guess the French phrase?

Click to show answer

A) être frais comme un gardon. This literally translates as: to be fresh like a roach.

Take a look at our handy language guide to find out exactly what this idiom means and how to use it in everyday conversations.

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