IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchEn quatrième vitesse
Meaning: At top speed; as fast as possible.
Literally: In fourth gear
Example: “Quand il a vu l'heure, il s'est habillé en quatrième vitesse.” — When he saw the time, he got dressed at full tilt.
English equivalent: At full tilt
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: a uña de caballo Literally: At horse's hoof- Spanish: a todo mecate Literally: At full rope
Italian: a gambe levate Literally: At raised legs
English: at full tilt
Origin: Fourth was the highest gear on the cars that gave French the phrase, so it meant flat out. The arrival of fifth and sixth gears has not disturbed it.
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- Coûter un bras To be outrageously expensive.
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- Bourré comme un coing Completely drunk.
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