IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchÀ pied d'œuvre
Meaning: On site and ready to begin.
Literally: At the foot of the work
Example: “Dès six heures, les maçons étaient à pied d'œuvre.” — By six o'clock, the bricklayers were on site and ready to start.
Origin: A building term: materials delivered au pied de l'œuvre were at the foot of the structure, in position for use. The phrase means readiness in place, not merely willingness.
More French idioms
- La boîte de Pandore Something that releases a host of troubles once opened.
- Le dessus du panier The pick of the crop; the best of a group.
- Un panier percé Someone incapable of holding on to money.
- Le parcours du combattant A gruelling series of obstacles.
- La flèche du Parthe A wounding remark delivered while leaving.
- Graisser la patte To bribe someone.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.
- Un chasseur sachant chasser doit savoir chasser sans son chien. The classic French 'ch' / 's' tangler.
- Les chaussettes de l'archiduchesse sont-elles sèches, archi-sèches? A merciless duel between 'ch' and 's'.
- Si six scies scient six cyprès, six cents scies scient six cents cyprès. An 's' / 'si' minefield.
Keep exploring