Faire l'école buissonnière

Literally: To do the bush school

Example: “Par ce beau soleil, les deux garçons ont fait l'école buissonnière pour aller pêcher.” — In the bright sunshine, the two boys played hooky to go fishing.

English equivalent: To play hooky

Origin: Attested since the 16th century, when clandestine Protestant schools were held outside towns, though the phrase may simply describe a child in the bushes rather than in class. Both readings were current early, and the second is likelier.