Learning French
Learning French: the origins and meaning of tuer la poule aux œufs d'or
An Easter-themed phrase to describe someone who is hungry for money
This egg-themed phrase is often used in a financial context
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We look at how this surprising French expression can be used to describe someone impulsive and greedy - particularly in financial contexts.
What does tuer la poule aux œufs d'or mean?
It literally translates as: to kill the hen that lays golden eggs.
The metaphor represents the idea of cutting off gradual long-term profits for immediate short-term desires and can indicate a sense of foolishness, greed and impatience.
It is similar to the saying: se tirer une balle dans le pied (to shoot yourself in the foot), which also implies an element of self-sabotage.
What are the origins of tuer la poule aux œufs d'or?
The expression comes from a Jean de La Fontaine fable written in 1668, known in English as The Goose that laid the Golden Eggs.
This story, which was inspired by a moral from the ancient Greek fabulist, Aesop, told the tale of a man whose goose laid golden eggs every day. He killed the goose thinking it would contain treasure, when in fact he just killed the very thing that could have provided a lifetime of riches.
Today, the phrase is still used to describe reckless actions motivated by greed.
When do you say tuer la poule aux œufs d'or?
Say this when someone takes action without considering the overall quality or profitability:
You can also use when wanting to keep a ‘hidden gem’ to yourself, so as not to ‘spoil’ it by attracting more visitors:
To whom do you say tuer la poule aux œufs d'or?
It is metaphoric, colloquial language and can be used in a range of situations as it is of neutral register.
You can use it with friends and family or with colleagues in professional settings.
Some people may be offended if you use this expression to criticise one of their own actions.
