passé l'arme à gauche
The English phrase "kicked the bucket" can be translated into French as passé l'arme à gauche.
This idiom is used to express that someone has died. It is used in a somewhat irreverent or humorous way, making it inappropriate for formal condolences or solemn occasions.
What does it mean word for word?
The infinitive form of this idiom is passer l'arme à gauche, which literally means "to pass the weapon to the left".
Which one should you use?
While passé l'arme à gauche is a standard way to express this, you may encounter other variations. A cassé sa pipe is a colloquial alternative, while A tiré sa révérence and A rendu l'âme are more formal or poetic ways to describe death.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of the idiom is passer l'arme à gauche.
Did you know?
- The word gauche shares a common linguistic ancestor with the English word 'walk' via the Frankish word *walkijan.
- While ‘kicked the bucket’ involves a clumsy physical action, passer l’arme à gauche carries a strange military nuance, as if one is passing a weapon to the person on their left.
Examples in context
- Il a passé l'arme à gauche hier soir.He kicked the bucket last night.
- On m'a dit qu'il avait passé l'arme à gauche.I was told that he had kicked the bucket.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about a character in a movie.
- EmmaRegarde, le méchant a passé l'arme à gauche !Look, the villain kicked the bucket!
- HugoC'est vrai, il a enfin disparu.That's true, he's finally gone.
- EmmaC'était une fin très rapide pour lui.It was a very quick end for him.
- HugoOui, Hugo est d'accord avec toi.Yes, Hugo agrees with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gauche, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
