Learning French

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Person standing on a rocky mountain peak with distant mountains in soft morning light.

This is a metaphor for when your legs feel as though they will give way

Shutterstock, generated by AI

Published Friday 26 June 2026 - 08:00 Modified Friday 17 July 2026 - 17:16

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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 cotton-themed expression when feeling physically tired out.

Can you guess the French phrase?

Click to show answer

A) Avoir les jambes en coton. This literally translates as: to have legs made of cotton.

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

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Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

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Can you guess the French phrase?

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