FrenchN’avoir qu’à bien se tenir
Meaning: A warning or threat implying that one must behave properly or face consequences.
Literally: To have only to hold oneself well
Example: “Le nouveau proviseur est strict : les élèves n'ont qu'à bien se tenir.” — The new principal is strict: the students had better watch their step.
English equivalent: To watch one's step
Equivalents in other languages
English: watch one's step
Origin: Se tenir is to behave, as in se tenir bien à table, and n'avoir qu'à is to have only to. Literally "they only have to behave," the phrase is always a warning that anyone who does not will face the consequences. It is said of the pupils of a strict new headteacher or of an opponent about to meet a strong team, and has no story beyond that.
More French idioms
- Battre les fourrés To range far and wide in search of adventure or chance encounters.
- Taper du poing sur la table To express strong disagreement or disapproval with a situation.
- Avoir sur les bras To be burdened with or responsible for someone or something; to be occupied with a demand…
- Ne s’être pas regardé to judge others harshly while being blind to one's own equal or greater faults.
- Ne pas tourner rond to be unwell or not functioning properly.
- Prendre le maquis To go into hiding or join a resistance movement to escape authority or persecution.
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