IdiomThe Absurd
French
FrenchPar l'opération du Saint-Esprit
Meaning: By some unexplained miracle — said sarcastically of something nobody will account for.
Literally: By the operation of the Holy Spirit
Example: “Et ces cent euros sont apparus sur ton compte par l'opération du Saint-Esprit, peut-être ?” — And I suppose those hundred euros appeared in your account out of thin air?
English equivalent: Out of thin air
Equivalents in other languages
Polish: wziąć z sufitu Literally: To take from the ceiling
English: out of thin air
Origin: From the Annunciation, in which conception occurs without ordinary cause. Modern use is almost always ironic, applied to money, documents or decisions that appeared with no one admitting responsibility.
More French idioms
- Au creux de la vague At a low point, with the expectation that things will rise again.
- Nager entre deux eaux To avoid committing to either side.
- Une coupe sombre A drastic reduction, especially of staff or budget.
- Nettoyer les écuries d'Augias To clear up a vast accumulated mess, usually of corruption.
- Aux quatre coins de All over; in every part of a place.
- Frappé au coin du bon sens Manifestly sensible; bearing the stamp of sound judgment.
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