What Does 'Arriver comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles' Mean?
Have you ever walked into a situation where you felt completely out of place or unwelcome?
The French have a colorful expression for this: "Arriver comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles."
Let's unpack this vivid idiom and see how it can add flair to your French conversations.
Breaking Down the Expression
"Arriver comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles" literally translates to "to arrive like a dog in a game of ninepin bowling." At first glance, this might seem puzzling, but it paints a clear picture of disruption and bad timing.
The Components:
- Arriver = to arrive
- Comme = like
- Un chien = a dog
- Un jeu de quilles = a game of ninepin bowling
The Meaning and Usage
This expression is used to describe someone who arrives at the most inopportune moment or in a situation where they're not welcome. It's similar to the English phrases "like a bull in a china shop" or "to crash the party," but with a uniquely French twist.
When to Use It
Use this idiom when you want to express:
- Bad timing
- Unwelcome intrusion
- Causing disruption (often unintentionally)
Examples in Context
To help you grasp how to use this expression, here are some examples:
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"Mon patron est arrivé comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles pendant notre pause café." (My boss arrived at the worst possible moment during our coffee break.)
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"Ne t'inquiète pas si tu te sens comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles à la soirée. Tout le monde est nouveau ici." (Don't worry if you feel out of place at the party. Everyone is new here.)
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"Les paparazzis sont arrivés comme des chiens dans un jeu de quilles pendant le mariage privé de la célébrité." (The paparazzi showed up uninvited during the celebrity's private wedding.)
Pronunciation Guide
To say this phrase like a native, try this:
- Pronunciation: [ah ree vay kuh moo(n) shyeh(n) da(n) zoo(n) zheu deu keey]
- IPA: [a ʁi ve kɔ mœ̃ ʃjɛ̃ dã zœ̃ ʒə də kij]
Cultural Context
Ninepin bowling, or "jeu de quilles," is a traditional game in France. Imagine the chaos if a dog suddenly ran onto the bowling lane! This visual helps French speakers instantly understand the disruption implied by the idiom.
Related Expressions
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"Recevoir quelqu'un comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles" Meaning: To give someone a cold reception or make them feel unwelcome
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"Être comme un éléphant dans un magasin de porcelaine" Meaning: To be like an elephant in a china shop (similar to the English expression)
Tips for Using the Expression
- Use it in informal settings. This idiom is colorful but not overly formal.
- Be aware of the context. While it's a fun expression, it might not be appropriate in very serious situations.
- Practice the pronunciation to nail the delivery and impress native speakers.
Expanding Your French Idiom Vocabulary
Learning expressions like "Arriver comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles" can significantly enhance your French language skills. These idioms not only make your speech more colorful but also help you understand French culture better.
To practice using this expression, try creating your own sentences or look for opportunities to use it in conversations with French speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey, and each new idiom you master brings you closer to fluency.
For those looking to further their French language skills, leçon.ai offers personalized learning experiences tailored to your level and interests. From beginner to advanced, there's always something new to discover in the rich world of French expressions.
Conclusion
"Arriver comme un chien dans un jeu de quilles" vividly describes bad timing or unwelcome arrivals. By incorporating this expression into your French vocabulary, you'll add depth and color to your language skills.