Learning French: Chapeau if you know these 10 clothing-themed phrases

There are many expressions in France that feature items you will find in your wardrobe. 

We take a look at some of our favourites and explain the meaning behind them.

1. Retourner sa veste 

Literally: to turn your jacket inside out.

This means you change opinion according to what is going on. The expression originates from the prince Charles-Emmanuel de Savoie (1562 – 1630) who wanted to be king and wore a reversible jacket to better his chances. He would wear the white side in France and the red side in Spain.

Ne fais pas confiance à cet homme. Il a l'habitude de retourner sa veste dans ton dos. - Do not trust this man. He has a habit of switching sides behind your back.

2. Prendre des gants 

Literally: to take gloves.

It means to be careful with someone to avoid hurting their feelings. It comes from the 18th century and the image of gloves symbolises of gentleness.

Il faut prendre des gants quand tu parles à ta sœur, elle est très sensible. - You must take care when talking to your sister, she is very sensitive.

3. Chapeau! 

Literally: hat!

This is often used if you are impressed by someone’s action or to congratulate someone. It comes from the expression tirer son chapeau (to pull one’s hat) which means the same and refers to the 17th century when men used to take off their hats to greet someone in the street.

Wow, chapeau ! Ça, c'est vraiment impressionnant. - Wow, hats off! That was really impressive.

4. Prendre une veste 

Literally: to take a jacket.

This means to be rejected. It comes from the older expression mettre un adversaire capot (literally to put someone in a bonnet) and refers to the playing of games and how the loser is left feeling humiliated.

Le stagiaire a pris une veste à la réunion d'hier. - The intern really took a beating at the meeting yesterday.

5. Lâcher les baskets 

Literally: to let go of someone’s trainers

It means to leave someone quiet / alone. It conjures up the image of someone clinging to your shoes who you shake off.

Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say être bien dans ses baskets?

Lâchez-lui les baskets! Il ne vous donnera pas plus d'informations. - Get off his case! His lips are sealed.

6. En avoir ras la casquette 

Literally: to have the cap full.

This means you are totally fed up with something.

J'en ai ras la casquette de ranger les affaires de ma colocataire. - I am so done with tidying up after my flatmate.

7. Se serrer la ceinture 

Literally: to tighten the belt

This is similar to the English translation and means you need to eat less or avoid buying things to save money.

Nous allons devoir nous serrer la ceinture avec la crise du coût de la vie. - We are going to have to watch our spending with the cost of living crisis.

8. Porter le chapeau

Literally: to wear the hat

This means to be responsible for something. The expression comes from the phrase mettre un chapeau sur la tête de quelqu’un (to put a hat on somebody’s head) which used to mean to ruin somebody’s reputation.

C'est moi qui porte le chapeau, vous devez donc tous m'écouter. - I am the one in charge here so you all must listen to me.

9. Ne pas faire dans la dentelle 

Literally: to not do in lace.

This means to be very direct. Lace is delicate so if someone tells you ‘tu ne fais pas dans la dentelle toi!’ it means you lack tact.

10. Porter la culotte 

Literally: to wear the pants

Similar to the English expression, it is said of a woman who makes all the decisions in a couple.

C'est clairement elle qui porte la culotte. Lui, il ne prend aucune responsabilité. - She is clearly the one who wears the trousers in the relationship. He takes no responsibility.

Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of l’habit ne fait pas le moine