En son for intérieur

Meaning: In one's heart of hearts; in private conscience.

Literally: In one's inner tribunal

Example: “En son for intérieur, il savait qu'il avait tort.” — In his heart of hearts, he knew he was wrong.

English equivalent: In one's heart of hearts

Equivalents in other languages

English: in one's heart of hearts

Origin: For is not fort — it descends from Latin forum, the court, and means the tribunal of conscience where a person judges themselves. The homophone means the phrase is misspelled constantly.

More French idioms

À la Saint-Glinglin Never — on a day that will never come.
Une guerre picrocholine A furious conflict over something trivial.
Est-ce que je te demande si ta grand-mère fait du vélo ? Mind your own business — a retort to an intrusive question.
Décrocher la lune To achieve the impossible — or, promised, to offer what cannot be delivered.
Tomber comme à Gravelotte To come down thick and fast, of rain or of blows.
Veiller au grain To stay alert for trouble.

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Equivalents in other languages

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