IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchLa femme de César ne doit pas être soupçonnée
Meaning: Those in public office must be above even the appearance of wrongdoing.
Literally: Caesar's wife must not be suspected
Example: “Le juge a refusé le cadeau du plaignant : la femme de César ne doit pas être soupçonnée.” — The judge refused the plaintiff's gift: Caesar's wife must be above suspicion.
English equivalent: Caesar's wife must be above suspicion
Origin: Caesar divorced Pompeia after Clodius was found at a rite forbidden to men, then testified he knew nothing against her — explaining, per Plutarch, that his wife must be free even of suspicion. He was making a point about reputation, not guilt.
More French idioms
- Avoir voix au chapitre To have a say in a decision.
- Trouver chaussure à son pied To find exactly the right match, usually a partner.
- Ne pas y aller par quatre chemins To come straight to the point.
- Un chevalier d'industrie A swindler who lives by his wits at others' expense.
- La cheville ouvrière The linchpin — the person or thing on which an entire operation turns.
- Une chiffe molle A spineless person with no will of their own.
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