IdiomFood & Drink
French
FrenchDécrocher la timbale
Meaning: To carry off the prize.
Literally: To unhook the drinking cup
Example: “Après dix ans de castings, l'actrice a décroché la timbale avec ce premier rôle.” — After ten years of auditions, the actress hit the jackpot with this leading role.
English equivalent: To hit the jackpot
Equivalents in other languages
English: hit the jackpot
Origin: Fairs set a timbale, a metal cup, at the top of a greased pole for whoever could climb it. The prize was modest and the climb was the entertainment, which is roughly the tone the phrase keeps.
More French idioms
- À tue-tête At the top of one's voice.
- Dire ses quatre vérités à quelqu'un To tell someone exactly what is wrong with them.
- Avoir la main verte To have a gift for growing plants.
- Entrer dans le vif du sujet To get to the heart of the matter.
- Une lapalissade A statement so obvious it is comic — a truism.
- Prendre des vessies pour des lanternes To be grossly deceived about something.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
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- C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron You learn a skill by practicing it.
- L'union fait la force People who stand together are stronger than any of them alone.
- Vouloir, c'est pouvoir If you want something badly enough, you will find a way to do it.
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