IdiomNature
French
FrenchAu creux de la vague
Meaning: At a low point, with the expectation that things will rise again.
Literally: In the trough of the wave
Example: “Après deux saisons ratées, le club est au creux de la vague.” — After two bad seasons, the club is at a low ebb.
English equivalent: To be at a low ebb
Equivalents in other languages
English: be at a low ebb
Origin: The trough between two waves is the lowest position, and it is by definition temporary — which is what distinguishes this from simple failure. The phrase implies a cycle, not an ending.
More French idioms
- Aux quatre coins de All over; in every part of a place.
- Frappé au coin du bon sens Manifestly sensible; bearing the stamp of sound judgment.
- Collet monté Prim, stiff and old-fashioned in manner.
- Dans le collimateur In someone's sights; singled out for scrutiny.
- Le complexe d'Œdipe A child's unconscious attachment to the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the other.
- De conserve Together, in company — not to be confused with de concert.
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.
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