IdiomBody & Senses
French
FrenchAu pied levé
Meaning: At a moment's notice, with no preparation.
Literally: With the foot raised
Example: “L'acteur principal était malade ; sa doublure l'a remplacé au pied levé.” — The lead actor was sick; his understudy stepped in at the drop of a hat.
English equivalent: At the drop of a hat
Equivalents in other languages
English: at the drop of a hat
Origin: The image is of being called away mid-stride, with one foot already off the ground. It is used above all of understudies and stand-ins.
More French idioms
- Merde ! Good luck — said to a performer before going on stage.
- Voilà pourquoi votre fille est muette Said of a grand explanation that explains nothing.
- Passez, muscade ! Hey presto — said when something vanishes suspiciously conveniently.
- Se croire le premier moutardier du pape To have a wildly inflated sense of one's own importance.
- Mystère et boule de gomme Nobody has the faintest idea.
- Promettre monts et merveilles To promise far more than could ever be delivered.
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