redescends sur terre
The English phrase "get over yourself" can be translated into French as redescends sur terre.
The phrase redescends sur terre is used to tell someone to stop being unrealistic or overly conceited by suggesting they are currently "too high up" in their own ego.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this as a direct command (imperative), you would say redescends sur terre for informal situations or redescendez sur terre for formal or plural situations.
Did you know?
- Because the phrase uses the imperative form, saying redescendez sur terre to a single person is not just formal, it can sound incredibly condescending or even like a command from a superior to a subordinate.
- The word terre comes from the Proto-Indo-European root ters-, which meant 'dry'.
- In French, the metaphor for arrogance is based on verticality rather than size. While an English speaker might say someone is 'full of themselves', a French speaker suggests they have floated too high and must 'descend to earth' to regain perspective.
Examples in context
- Arrête de te prendre pour le nombril du monde! Tout le monde a des problèmes, pas seulement toi.Stop thinking you're the center of the world! Everyone has problems, not just you.
Example conversation
Gabriel is complaining about his supposed importance while Manon listens.
- GabrielJe suis le meilleur de toute la ville !I am the best in the whole city!
- ManonS'il te plaît, redescends sur terre, Gabriel.Please, get over yourself, Gabriel.
- GabrielTu es juste jalouse de mon succès.You are just jealous of my success.
- ManonNon, tu es juste très arrogant.No, you are just very arrogant.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sur, terre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
