Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| il y a à boire et à manger | /i.l‿i.j‿a a bwa.ʁ‿e a mɑ̃.ʒe/ |
| il y a du bon et du moins bon |
This idiom is used to evaluate the quality of something, such as a book, a project or a performance, to imply that the subject is inconsistent and contains both advantages and disadvantages. While the most idiomatic way to express this is il y a à boire et à manger, you can also use il y a du bon et du moins bon to be more direct and descriptive.
Which one should you use?
Il y a à boire et à manger is a more idiomatic expression, whereas il y a du bon et du moins bon is a more direct and descriptive way to say "there is some good and some less good."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Il y a à boire et à manger is a colloquial idiom. For more formal contexts, you might use Pot-pourri to describe a collection or assortment of various elements or Un mélange disparate to convey the idea of a mixed bag. Un mélange hétéroclite serves as a synonym for Un mélange disparate. If you are describing a mix of things that are disorganized or not well-sorted, you can use Un fourre-tout.
Did you know?
- The letter y in the phrase il y a à boire et à manger was originally known as i grec, which means 'Greek i', because it was borrowed from the Greek letter upsilon.
- The term pot-pourri is a valid way to describe a 'mixed bag' of elements, but it carries a sensory connection to the fragrant dried flower petals used in home scents.
- While 'mixed bag' is a noun in English, the French idiom il y a à boire et à manger is structured as a complete sentence meaning 'there is to drink and to eat'.
Examples in context
- Il y a à boire et à manger.It's a mixed bag.This sentence demonstrates how to use the idiom il y a à boire et à manger to describe an inconsistent situation.Tatoeba #10680679 by AutoBot, translation #10680677 by AutoBot
- Le rapport de recherche offre un pot-pourri d'opinions divergentes sur la question.The research report presents a mixed bag of divergent opinions on the matter.
- Le festival a offert un mélange disparate de styles musicaux.The festival offered a mixed bag of musical styles.
- J'ai trouvé dans cette boutique un assortiment éclectique de vêtements vintage.I found an eclectic mix of vintage clothes in that store.
- La bouquinerie propose un mélange hétéroclite de livres anciens et modernes.The bookstore offers a mixed bag of old and modern books.
- Dans ce nouveau film, il y a à boire et à manger.In this new movie, there is a mixed bag.
- Son dernier projet, il y a à boire et à manger.His latest project is a bit of a mixed bag.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing a newly opened restaurant.
- ManonTu as aimé le nouveau restaurant ?Did you like the new restaurant?
- LucasHonnêtement, il y a à boire et à manger.Honestly, it's a mixed bag.
- ManonQu'est-ce qui ne va pas ?What is wrong with it?
- LucasLa cuisine est top, mais le service est lent.The food is great, but the service is slow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mixed bag” translations and entries il y a à boire et à manger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, il, il y a à boire et à manger, y, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
