10 French Idioms That Make You Sound Like a Native

10 French Idioms That Make You Sound Like a Native

Learning French is more than mastering grammar or memorizing vocabulary lists—it’s about diving into expressions that French speakers use every day. One of the best ways to level up your fluency and sound like a true local is to use idioms. These quirky, figurative expressions add color and cultural insight to your conversations.

At Passion Language School, we specialize in helping learners go beyond the basics. If you're looking for the best online French language courses, you're in the right place. Let’s explore 10 fun, practical idioms that will instantly make your French sparkle with authenticity.

1. Avoir le cafard – “To have the cockroach”

Meaning: To feel down or depressed If someone says, “Aujourd’hui, j’ai le cafard,” they’re not talking about insects invading their home. They’re just feeling blue. This idiom is great for expressing those gloomy days with a French twist.

2. C’est la fin des haricots – “It’s the end of the beans”

Meaning: That’s the last straw / All hope is lost This amusing idiom signals disaster or a situation gone terribly wrong. It may sound funny, but it’s quite expressive. Use it when things spiral out of control, preferably not when you're actually cooking beans.

3. Donner sa langue au chat – “To give one’s tongue to the cat”

Meaning: To give up (usually on a riddle or question) When someone’s stumped and ready to hear the answer, they might say this. Imagine literally handing your tongue to a cat—unsettling, but undeniably memorable.

4. Avoir un coup de foudre – “To have a lightning strike”

Meaning: Love at first sight Literally about a lightning bolt, this idiom is as dramatic and electrifying as falling head over heels in love. It's a poetic favorite in French romances and a must-know for sentimental souls.

5. Faire la grasse matinée – “To do the fat morning”

Meaning: To sleep in This idiom paints a cozy picture of indulgent, lazy mornings. If you're planning on staying in bed with croissants and coffee until noon—this one’s for you.

6. Être dans la lune – “To be in the moon”

Meaning: To be daydreaming or distracted Useful for students (and teachers) everywhere. When someone seems spaced out, you can say, “Il est dans la lune,” and sound both charming and culturally fluent.

7. Raconter des salades – “To tell salads”

Meaning: To tell lies or exaggerated stories This idiom reflects a colorful way of suggesting someone is stretching the truth. It makes fibbing sound almost healthy—though salad's never quite that scandalous.

8. Mettre les pieds dans le plat – “To put your feet in the dish”

Meaning: To make a social blunder Perfect for those awkward moments when you say something you shouldn’t. A very French way of owning up to a faux pas—preferably before dessert.

9. Avoir la pêche / la banane – “To have the peach / the banana”

Meaning: To feel great or full of energy Slangy, smiley, and cheerful—if you say “J’ai la pêche aujourd’hui!” you’re basically shouting “I feel fantastic!” in fruity French flair.

10. Coûter les yeux de la tête – “To cost the eyes from your head”

Meaning: To be very expensive This idiom is as dramatic as it sounds, and you’ll often hear it in Paris when someone checks the receipt at a café. A must-know for shoppers and travelers.

Why Idioms Matter in Language Learning

Idioms aren’t just linguistic flourishes—they’re cultural windows. They help you understand how French speakers view the world, express emotion, and relate to one another. Sprinkling them into conversations shows you’re not just translating from English—you’re thinking en français.

If you're preparing for the DELF B1 or B2, or just want to express yourself more naturally, idioms like these make your speech more authentic. They also pop up in reading comprehension, listening exercises, and real-world conversations, making them a smart study move.

Boost Your French with Passion Language School

At Passion Language School, we believe language is about connection—and that includes cultural nuance, humor, and expression. Our expert instructors design engaging, immersive classes that take learners beyond textbook French.

So whether you’re dreaming of chatting with locals in Marseille, passing your DELF exam, or watching French movies without subtitles, we’ve got the tools and the community to help you succeed.

Ready to add some flair to your French? Join one of the best online French language courses today and start speaking with confidence—and idioms.