Passez, muscade !

Meaning: Hey presto — said when something vanishes suspiciously conveniently.

Literally: Pass, nutmeg!

Example: “Le reste du budget a disparu dans des « frais divers », et passez, muscade !” — The rest of the budget vanished into "miscellaneous expenses," and hey presto!

English equivalent: Hey presto

Equivalents in other languages

English: hey presto

Origin: The cry of the cups-and-balls conjuror, whose ball was traditionally a nutmeg. It is now used of money and awkward facts rather than of nutmegs.

More French idioms

Entre le marteau et l'enclume Caught between two opposing forces with no way out.
Un pavé dans la mare A revelation or intervention that disturbs a settled situation.
Il y a de l'orage dans l'air Trouble is brewing.
Rouler sur l'or To be enormously wealthy.
Valoir son pesant d'or To be extremely valuable.
Manu militari By force; with physical compulsion.

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Equivalents in other languages

More idioms — The Absurd

More French idioms

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