Learn 10 poetic and authentic French metaphorical expressions with examples and visual explanations. A fun and easy way to express emotions like a native speaker. Download the free PDF now!

If you hear someone in France saying someone "eats like a pig," don't assume they're talking about portion sizes — they're commenting on messy table manners. This popular expression perfectly captures that moment when someone spills food everywhere, showing how French can be refreshingly direct about bad eating habits.

If you hear someone in France saying "it's a duck's cold," don't wonder about waterfowl thermometers — they're simply describing freezing weather. This popular expression perfectly captures that bone-chilling cold with French flair, showing how the language can make even weather complaints sound poetic.

If you hear someone in France exclaiming "it's the brothel!" don't look around for questionable establishments — they're simply describing total chaos. This popular expression transforms everyday mess into something almost theatrical, showing how French can make even complaints sound dramatic.

If you hear someone in France saying they're "in the compacting," don't picture them working construction — they're simply running late. This popular expression has fascinating agricultural origins and perfectly captures that universal feeling of being behind schedule with typical French flair.