IdiomDaily Life
French
FrenchRendre son tablier
Meaning: To resign, usually in protest.
Literally: To hand back one's apron
Example: “Écœuré par les nouvelles règles, le chef a rendu son tablier.” — Disgusted by the new rules, the chef quit in protest.
Origin: The apron was the working uniform of domestic staff and was supplied by the household. Giving it back was the physical act of quitting, and it could not be done quietly.
More French idioms
- Être mis sur la touche To be sidelined and left out of things.
- Botter en touche To dodge a question by changing the subject.
- Une tour d'ivoire A position of deliberate detachment from ordinary life.
- La tournée des grands-ducs A lavish night out taking in every fashionable establishment.
- Un coup de Trafalgar A sudden catastrophic reversal, often felt to be underhand.
- Doré sur tranche Extremely wealthy; luxuriously appointed.
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