facteur rédhibitoire
The English phrase "deal breaker" can be translated into French as facteur rédhibitoire.
This term describes an issue or condition that causes a relationship or a business deal to fail. It is used in formal business and legal contexts to denote a condition that makes a contract or an agreement impossible to proceed with.
Meaning: an issue which causes a relationship (especially in business) to fail (noun)
Which one should you use?
While facteur rédhibitoire is the standard term, you may also see critère rédhibitoire used in more formal settings and un point rédhibitoire is a common way to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
In common usage, the word point (meaning point or issue) is often substituted for facteur to create the phrase un point rédhibitoire.
Did you know?
- The word rédhibitoire originates from Roman law, where a 'redhibitory vice' was a hidden flaw in a slave or animal that allowed the buyer to cancel the sale.
- Using facteur rédhibitoire to describe a romantic date can sound intentionally humorous or overly dramatic because the phrase carries a clinical and legal weight.
- The word facteur in this phrase means 'factor', but it is also the standard French word for a 'mail carrier'.
Examples in context
- Son manque de respect est un véritable carton rouge pour moi.His lack of respect is a real deal breaker for me.
- Le manque de transparence est un facteur rédhibitoire.The lack of transparency is a deal breaker.
- Pour ce contrat, le délai est un facteur rédhibitoire.For this contract, the deadline is a deal breaker.
- Le prix trop élevé est un facteur rédhibitoire pour nous.The price being too high is a deal breaker for us.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a job offer.
- LéaLe poste est parfait, mais il faut voyager beaucoup.The position is perfect, but you have to travel a lot.
- HugoPour moi, les voyages fréquents sont un facteur rédhibitoire.For me, frequent travel is a deal breaker.
- LéaC'est dommage, car le salaire est très attractif.That's a pity, because the salary is very attractive.
- HugoOui, mais je veux rester près de chez moi, Hugo.Yes, but I want to stay close to home, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries facteur, rédhibitoire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
