dans son dos
The phrase "behind her back" in French is translated as dans son dos.
Doing or saying something about a person without their knowledge.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, dans son dos means "in her back".
Did you know?
- If you were to use the word 'derrière' instead of 'dos', you would be using a word that is also a common French euphemism for one's 'buttocks'.
- French has a separate word, son, which means 'bran', because it historically referred to the result of a second sifting of flour.
- In French, you can also say parler dans le dos de quelqu'un to describe the act of gossiping, emphasizing the 'back' as a target for secrets.
Examples in context
- Il a parlé dans son dos.He spoke behind her back.
- Ils ont critiqué son travail dans son dos.They criticized her work behind her back.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing a coworker's behavior.
- LucasEst-ce que Marc a encore parlé dans son dos ?Did Marc speak behind her back again?
- LéaOui, il l'a fait hier.Yes, he did it yesterday.
- LucasC'est vraiment malhonnête de sa part.That is really dishonest of him.
- LéaJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dans, dos, son, CC BY-SA 4.0.
