passer d'un excès à l'autre
Meaning: To swing from one extreme to the opposite extreme without ever finding moderation.
Language: French
Literally: to pass from one excess to the other
Category: The Absurd
Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures moving directly from one extreme behavior to its opposite, without ever settling into moderation.
More idioms — The Absurd
- 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.
- no haber color — there is no comparison; one option is vastly superior to another.
- a montones — In vast quantities; abundantly available and unremarkable.
- crecer como la espuma — To increase or expand very rapidly and dramatically.
More French idioms
- remettre en selle — To help someone recover a former position or regain their footing after a setback.
- prendre des gants — To handle a delicate matter with great tact and care to avoid offending someone.
- remettre en train — To restart or reactivate something that has stopped or slowed down.
- ça pique — It is very expensive or causes financial pain.
- vendre chèrement sa peau — To defend oneself fiercely and make a determined stand against those trying to kill you.
- C'est pas tes oignons — That's none of your business.
From our untranslatable words
- L'esprit de l'escalier — Thinking of the perfect comeback only after the moment has passed — on your way down the…
- Terroir — The unique character that a place — its soil, climate and tradition — gives to a wine or…
- Râler — To complain and grumble with a certain national flair — a beloved French pastime.