IdiomFood & Drink
French
FrenchSe demander si c'est du lard ou du cochon
Meaning: To be unable to tell what something is or how it is meant.
Literally: To wonder whether it is bacon or pig
Example: “Avec son ton pince-sans-rire, on se demande toujours si c'est du lard ou du cochon.” — With his deadpan tone, you can never tell whether he's joking or serious.
Origin: Both halves of the comparison are the same animal, so the question is unanswerable by design. It is used of remarks whose tone cannot be read.
More French idioms
- L'huile de coude Hard physical effort; elbow grease.
- Couper l'herbe sous le pied de quelqu'un To forestall someone by acting first.
- Ne pas mâcher ses mots To speak with complete bluntness.
- Il faut tourner sept fois sa langue dans sa bouche avant de parler Think carefully before you speak.
- En avoir gros sur le cœur To be full of unspoken hurt or resentment.
- En son for intérieur In one's heart of hearts; in private conscience.
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