péter une baloune

Meaning: To cause deep disappointment; to shatter someone's illusions or hopes.

Language: French

Literally: to burst a balloon

Category: The Absurd

Origin: Direct image: a balloon bursting is sudden, loud, and destructive—a perfect picture of an abruptly shattered illusion or dream.

More idioms — The Absurd

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.
no haber color — there is no comparison; one option is vastly superior to another.
a montones — In vast quantities; abundantly available and unremarkable.

être du propre — Used ironically to criticize something as morally or physically filthy.
remuer ciel et terre — To exert all possible effort and use every available means to achieve a goal.
joindre le geste à la parole — To back up what you say with action; to keep your promises.
mettre à terre — To defeat or knock someone down.
faire dresser l’oreille — To catch someone's attention or spark their interest.
renaître de ses cendres — To rise again and flourish after near-total destruction.

Loading the full interactive collection…