20+ Most Common Sayings in France and What it Means
France is a Western European country known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. Its capital is Paris, which is home to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. France has a diverse landscape, ranging from the mountainous regions of the Alps and Pyrenees to the rolling hills of Burgundy and Provence. It has a population of over 66 million people and is the largest country in the European Union. French is the official language, and it is widely spoken throughout the country. France has a reputation for its art, fashion, and design, and is home to many famous artists, writers, and designers. The country is also known for its wine, cheese, and culinary traditions, which are celebrated around the world. France has a rich history, including the French Revolution, World War I and II, and its colonial empire, which included territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Today, France is a modern, industrialized nation and a member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union.
Les apparences sont trompeuses
Meaning: Appearances are deceptive. Do not judge a book by its cover
Qui vivra verra
Meaning: Time will tell. Means to wait for the results of what you are expecting with unbounded time
Il ne faut pas mettre tous ses oeufs dans le même panier
Meaning: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. This reminds a person to avoid concentrating all resources or time in a single item or event.
Tous les chemins mènent à Rome
Meaning: All roads lead to Rome (referring to different ways to achieve the same goal)
L'argent ne fait pas le bonheur
Meaning: Money doesn't buy happiness. Life is most enjoyed with free things
Rien ne sert de courir, il faut partir à point
Meaning: There's no use running, you have to start at the right time (referring to the importance of timing)
Qui se ressemble s'assemble
Meaning: Birds of a feather flock together. Those who have the same interest can work more efficiently
La curiosité est un vilain défaut
Meaning: Curiosity killed the cat
C'est la vie
Meaning: That's life. A common expression when sighing and just take what life has to offer.
Mieux vaut tard que jamais
Meaning: Better late than never
Loin des yeux, loin du coeur
Meaning: Out of sight, out of mind
Qui ne risque rien n'a rien
Meaning: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. This means to try it out and see what happens.
Les bons comptes font les bons amis
Meaning: Good accounts make good friends (referring to the importance of being fair and honest)
Chacun voit midi à sa porte
Meaning: Everyone sees noon at his own doorstep (referring to different points of view)
Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu
Meaning: There's no smoke without fire (referring to the idea that rumors or allegations usually have some basis in truth)
L'habit ne fait pas le moine
Meaning: Don't judge a book by its cover
Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières
Meaning: Every little helps (referring to the power of small actions)
Il faut se méfier de l'eau qui dort
Meaning: Beware of the quiet waters (referring to the idea that things are not always as they seem)
À chaque jour suffit sa peine
Meaning: Each day has enough trouble of its own
On ne peut pas avoir le beurre et l'argent du beurre
Meaning: You can't have your cake and eat it too (referring to the idea that you can't have everything)
Other Most Common Sayings or Idioms: