IdiomAnimals
French
FrenchAvoir une mémoire d'éléphant
Meaning: Having exceptional ability to remember details over time.
Literally: To have an elephant's memory
Example: “Ne lui mens pas, elle a une mémoire d'éléphant.” — Don't lie to her; she has a memory like an elephant.
English equivalent: To have a memory like an elephant
Origin: Elephants have a reputation, in folklore and to some extent in science, for remembering places, routes and other animals over many years, and the phrase rests on that reputation. Its first use is not documented: Wiktionnaire's earliest example is from 1975. English says "an elephant never forgets."
Equivalents in other languages
English: have a memory like an elephant
More French idioms
- Être sur la brèche Being actively engaged in battle or difficult work.
- Manger du bout des dents Eating without appetite or showing disinterest in the meal.
- Avoir une peur bleue Being terrified or extremely frightened of something.
- Être du voyage To come along; to be one of those taking part in a trip or shared undertaking.
- Faire le gendarme Acting authoritarian or enforcing rules with excessive zeal.
- Avoir des étoiles dans les yeux Being dreamy, hopeful, or enchanted by romantic ideals.
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