IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchLe haut du pavé
Meaning: The most privileged position in society.
Literally: The top of the paving
Example: “Cette famille de banquiers tient le haut du pavé depuis trois générations.” — That banking family has been part of the upper crust for three generations.
English equivalent: The upper crust
Other ways to say this
English: upper crust- French: Faire partie du Gotha Literally: To be part of the Gotha
Origin: Streets sloped from a raised center down to gutters at the sides, so the high ground was clean and the edges were not. Rank determined who walked where, literally.
More French idioms
- Y a pas photo It's not even close; there is no question about it.
- Ne tirez pas sur le pianiste Do not blame the person who is only doing their best with what they were given.
- Qui va piano va sano Slow and steady is the surer way.
- Prendre le train onze To go on foot.
- Vieux comme Mathusalem Extremely old.
- Comme un poisson dans l'eau Completely at ease in one's element.
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