Un coup de semonce

Meaning: A deliberate warning, delivered before real consequences.

Literally: A warning shot

Example: “Ce premier avertissement écrit est un coup de semonce.” — This first written warning is a shot across the bow.

English equivalent: A shot across the bow

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: A naval semonce was a shot fired across a vessel's bow to require it to stop. The whole point is that it was aimed to miss.

Prendre le taureau par les cornes To tackle a difficulty head-on instead of avoiding it.
Les vaches maigres A period of hardship and scarcity — the opposite of les vaches grasses.
Les vaches grasses A period of plenty.
Aller comme un tablier à une vache To suit someone appallingly badly.
Adorer le veau d'or To make money one's god.
Une tunique de Nessus A gift that destroys the person who accepts it.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Tu as la tête sur les épaules You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.
Tu as le vent en poupe Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
Tu es un as You're brilliant at what you do — the very best.

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