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avoir un tuyau

Meaning: Having inside information or a useful tip about something.

Language: French

Literally: to have a pipe

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The 'secret messages through pipes' story is folk etymology; 'tuyau' (pipe) most likely gained its 'inside tip' sense through 19th-century horse-racing slang. True origin uncertain.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • être à court de — Lacking or running low on something essential.
  • crier sur les toits — Announcing something publicly that should remain secret.
  • avoir un poisson d'avril — Being fooled by a prank or hoax on April 1st.
  • être aux petits soins — Receiving attentive, careful treatment and consideration from someone.
  • faire un esclandre — Creating a public disturbance or embarrassing scene.
  • faire la fortune de quelqu'un — Bringing great wealth or success to another person.

More French idioms

  • avoir un bleu — Having a bruise on the skin from impact or injury.
  • prendre ses rêves pour des réalités — Confusing fantasy with reality; living in delusion.
  • faire la pluie et le beau temps — Having complete control over a situation or someone's fate.
  • avoir une dent contre quelqu'un — Holding a grudge or resentment toward someone.
  • tirer les vers du nez — Getting someone to reveal information they want to keep secret.
  • avoir le trac — Feeling nervous or anxious before a performance or important event.

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