remettre en train

Meaning: To restart or reactivate something that has stopped or slowed down.

Language: French

Literally: to put back in train

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures something getting back on its proper track or trajectory, as if a train returning to its rails.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • vendre chèrement sa peau — To defend oneself fiercely and make a determined stand against those trying to kill you.
  • en la cuerda floja — To be in a precarious or dangerous position; to be walking a fine line between safety and…
  • romper la baraja — To abandon a game or situation in frustration; to take one's ball and go home.
  • en la estacada — abandoned or left in a difficult situation without help.
  • tira y afloja — a back-and-forth negotiation or struggle where each side gives and takes.
  • a escondidillas — in secret; covertly or without someone's knowledge.

More French idioms

From our false friends

  • Monnaie — Actually means 'change' or 'coins'. Money in general is l'argent.
  • Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
  • Librairie — Actually means 'bookshop'. A library is une bibliothèque.

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