IdiomFood & Drink
French
FrenchUne autre paire de manches
Meaning: A different matter entirely; a far harder proposition.
Literally: Another pair of sleeves
Example: “Monter la tente, ça va ; la replier, c'est une autre paire de manches.” — Putting up the tent is fine; folding it back up is a whole different ball game.
English equivalent: A whole different ball game
Equivalents in other languages
English: a whole different ball game
Origin: Medieval sleeves were detachable and changed independently of the garment, so a fresh pair genuinely altered the outfit. The phrase kept the sense of something separately and substantially different.
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.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Un coup de langue est pire qu'un coup de lance Hurtful words do more harm than physical blows.
- Prudence est mère de sûreté Being careful is what keeps you safe.
- L'absence est à l'amour ce qu'est au feu le vent Separation kills a weak love and strengthens a strong one.
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