Une solution de continuité
Meaning: A break or gap — not, despite appearances, a solution to anything.
Language: French
Literally: A solution of continuity
Category: The Absurd
Origin: One of French's most dependable traps: solution here is Latin solutio, a loosening or breaking apart, so the phrase means an interruption. Une solution de continuité is a discontinuity, and it is misread constantly, including in print.
More idioms — The Absurd
- Demain, on rase gratis — A promise perpetually postponed.
- À vos souhaits — Bless you — said when someone sneezes.
- Une vérité de La Palice / Une lapalissade — A statement so obvious it is comic — a truism.
- Prendre des vessies pour des lanternes — To be grossly deceived about something.
- Être piqué de la tarentule — To be seized by frantic, uncontrollable agitation.
- Tonnerre de Brest ! — An exclamation of astonishment or annoyance.
More French idioms
- Pierre qui roule n'amasse pas mousse — Constant movement prevents anything from accumulating.
- Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières — Small contributions accumulate into something substantial.
- Un soleil de plomb — A crushing, oppressive heat.
- Une planche de salut — A last resort; the only remaining hope.
- Sentir le sapin — To be close to death.
- Mettre à pied — To suspend someone from their duties.
From our compliments & insults
- Joli comme un cœur — Utterly charming or adorable.
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- Tu déchires — You're awesome — you totally rock.
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