IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchDe conserve
Meaning: Together, in company — not to be confused with de concert.
Literally: In convoy
Example: “Les deux associations ont agi de conserve pour sauver le cinéma.” — The two associations worked hand in hand to save the movie theater.
English equivalent: Hand in hand
Equivalents in other languages
English: hand in hand
Origin: A nautical term for ships sailing in convoy for mutual protection, from conserver, to keep safe. De concert means by prior agreement; the two are near-homophones and are mixed up constantly, including by careful writers.
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- Un choix cornélien A dilemma in which every option requires sacrificing something one is bound to.
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