Useful French Phrases
#152
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#154
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Re: Useful French Phrases
You hear "Autant pour moi" frequently, an admission (without apology) of having made a mistake or being wrong, and I've never really bothered to look for the English equivalent.... until my OH's French grandson asked me and I was stumped for anything more than "ah, my mistake". I've been out of England too long to know a more contemporary expression.
Can anyone help?
Can anyone help?
#155
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Re: Useful French Phrases
You hear "Autant pour moi" frequently, an admission (without apology) of having made a mistake or being wrong, and I've never really bothered to look for the English equivalent.... until my OH's French grandson asked me and I was stumped for anything more than "ah, my mistake". I've been out of England too long to know a more contemporary expression.
Can anyone help?
Can anyone help?
The purist would say it's in fact "au temps pour moi", which is an expression that goes back to the army and 'temps' required for marching in step, or the right rhythm in music, but this is one of those debates that will rumble on for years, decades or centuries.
Like you, I've been away from the UK for too long to have a contemporary, like, I mean, translation, but apart from your suggestion, what about "So, that's one in the eye for me" / "I stand corrected"./ "Sorry, my mistake" / Thanks for putting me right" / "So I'll shut up then." / "So much for that idea" etc.
PB
#156
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Re: Useful French Phrases
One would tend to hear "un ange passe" in the present tense more often. It can indeed be a reaction to an embarrassed, unexpected or prolonged silence, and the use of this expression may be an attempt to "furnish the silence", (meubler le silence), break the silence by saying something, anything. As you have realized, the French are a nation of talkers.
#157
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Re: Useful French Phrases
Hi,
The purist would say it's in fact "au temps pour moi", which is an expression that goes back to the army and 'temps' required for marching in step, or the right rhythm in music, but this is one of those debates that will rumble on for years, decades or centuries.
Like you, I've been away from the UK for too long to have a contemporary, like, I mean, translation, but apart from your suggestion, what about "So, that's one in the eye for me" / "I stand corrected"./ "Sorry, my mistake" / Thanks for putting me right" / "So I'll shut up then." / "So much for that idea" etc.
PB
The purist would say it's in fact "au temps pour moi", which is an expression that goes back to the army and 'temps' required for marching in step, or the right rhythm in music, but this is one of those debates that will rumble on for years, decades or centuries.
Like you, I've been away from the UK for too long to have a contemporary, like, I mean, translation, but apart from your suggestion, what about "So, that's one in the eye for me" / "I stand corrected"./ "Sorry, my mistake" / Thanks for putting me right" / "So I'll shut up then." / "So much for that idea" etc.
PB
#158
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Re: Useful French Phrases
Just a quicky! If I wanted to say -at what time should I return (to collect him)?
would this be ok? À quelle heure dois-je retourner (pour le rassembler)?
would this be ok? À quelle heure dois-je retourner (pour le rassembler)?
#159
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Re: Useful French Phrases
If your child is going to a party, I'd say "ça termine à quelle heure?"
Hope this helps
#163
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#164
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