French is such a beautiful language, and because of that we mostly overlook the French sense of humour which is omnipresent in its colourful expressions. Picking up common French expressions is a good way to learn more about the personality of French people and their culture. Let us have a look at a few of those idioms.

Pédaler dans la semoule (To pedal in semolina)

Meaning: Having difficulty doing something

English equivalent: To around in circles

Avoir le cafard (To have the cockroach)

Meaning: To feel down

English equivalent: To feel blue

Il me court sur le haricot (He is running on my bean)

Meaning: He is annoying me

English equivalent: He is getting on my nerves

Être dans de beaux draps (To be in beautiful sheets)

Meaning: To be in a bad situation

English equivalent: Be in a right mess, be up in the creek without a paddle

Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard (It does not break three legs of a duck)

Meaning: It is not that incredible

English equivalent: Nothing to write about home

Mêle-toi de tes oignons! (Mind your onions)

Meaning: Not to interfere or ask anything personal

English equivalent: Mind your own business

Il pleut des cordes (Its raining ropes)

Meaning: It is raining a lot

English equivalent: It’s raining cats and dogs.