ne pas tourner rond
Meaning: to be unwell or not functioning properly.
Language: French
Literally: not to turn round
Category: The Absurd
Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase uses circular or rotational motion as a metaphor for normal functioning—when something no longer turns smoothly, something is wrong.
More idioms — The Absurd
- casser le nez à coups d’encensoir — To offer someone clumsy, exaggerated, and insincere flattery to their face.
- péter une baloune — To cause deep disappointment; to shatter someone's illusions or hopes.
- passer d'un excès à l'autre — To swing from one extreme to the opposite extreme without ever finding moderation.
- fuera de sí — to be in a state of extreme emotion, either elation or distress, such that one loses comp…
- armar la de san Quintín — to start a violent fight or brawl; to cause a huge commotion.
- dale que te pego — relentlessly; without stopping or holding back.
More French idioms
- passer un mauvais quart d’heure — to experience a brief but unpleasant or distressing moment.
- envoyer des piques — To make cutting or barbed remarks intended to irritate or provoke someone.
- prendre le maquis — To go into hiding or join a resistance movement to escape authority or persecution.
- ne pas en croire ses oreilles — To be startled or disbelieving upon hearing something astonishing.
- se composer le visage — To adopt a serious or carefully studied expression suited to the circumstances.
- prendre le train en marche — To join opportunely in an action or endeavor already underway.
From our compliments & insults
- Tu as la tête sur les épaules — You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.
- Tu as le vent en poupe — Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
- Tu es un as — You're brilliant at what you do — the very best.