Entrer en lice

Meaning: To join a contest or dispute.

Literally: To enter the lists

Example: “Un troisième candidat vient d'entrer en lice pour la mairie.” — A third candidate has just thrown his hat into the ring for mayor.

English equivalent: To throw one's hat into the ring

Equivalents in other languages

English: throw one's hat into the ring

Origin: The lices were the barriers enclosing a tournament ground, and entering them was a public commitment to fight. English kept the same word in entering the lists.

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Equivalents in other languages

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