IdiomAnimals
French
FrenchCaracoler en tête
Meaning: To lead by a wide margin, especially in a race or in polls.
Literally: To caracole at the head
Example: “Le jeune coureur caracole en tête depuis le premier kilomètre.” — The young runner has been way out in front since the first kilometer.
Origin: A caracole is an equestrian maneuver, the half-turn or spiraling figure a trained horse performs. The word came through Spanish caracol, snail, named for the spiral of its shell. The image is of a rider so far ahead he can afford to show off.
More French idioms
- La caque sent toujours le hareng However far you rise, low origins always show through.
- Aller à Canossa To humble oneself completely before someone; to submit and beg forgiveness.
- Parler à la cantonade To speak to a group at large without addressing anyone in particular.
- Un capitaine d'industrie The head of a large company.
- Il n'y a pas loin du Capitole à la roche Tarpéienne Glory and disgrace are close neighbors — the fall can follow the honors very quickly.
- Arriver comme les carabiniers To turn up far too late, when everything is already over.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
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- Si six scies scient six cyprès, six cents scies scient six cents cyprès. An 's' / 'si' minefield.
- Dans ta tente ta tante t'attend. A gentle 'ta / ten / tan / t'' warm-up that sounds faster than it reads.
- Seize chaises sèches sur seize arches sèches. A relentless collision of 'sei', 'sèch', and 's' — the tongue can't find traction.
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