prêcher un convaincu
The English phrase "preaching to the choir" is translated into French as prêcher un convaincu.
Trying to persuade people who already agree with your opinion.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression prêcher un convaincu literally translates to "to preach to a convinced person".
Which one should you use?
You can use the plural form prêcher à des convaincus if you are referring to a group of people who already agree with you.
Did you know?
- In French, the verb prêcher is used not only for religion but also to describe someone giving unsolicited or tedious moral advice.
- The verb prêcher shares a common ancestor with the Latin 'praedicare', which is also the root of the English word 'predicate'.
- The word convaincu can also be used as a noun to describe someone who has been firmly persuaded of a truth or a crime.
Examples in context
- Je te le répète, tu pousses une porte ouverte en me disant que je devrais m'impliquer dans cette cause.I repeat to you, you are preaching to the choir by telling me that I should get involved in this cause.
- Il ne sert à rien de lui expliquer les dangers du tabac, il prêche un convaincu.There is no point explaining the dangers of smoking to him, he is already convinced.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prêcher, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
