lever les yeux au ciel
The English phrase "roll your eyes" is translated into French as lever les yeux au ciel.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to to lift the eyes to the sky.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of "while rolling one's eyes," use the gerund form en levant les yeux au ciel.
Did you know?
- The French verb lever shares the same Latin root as the English word 'levity', which refers to a lack of seriousness.
- The phrase lever les yeux au ciel is frequently paired with a characteristic 'pff' sound to signal frustration.
Examples in context
- Elle a levé les yeux au ciel quand il a commencé à se plaindre.She rolled her eyes when he started complaining.
- Elle va lever les yeux au ciel.She is going to roll her eyes.
- Arrête de lever les yeux au ciel !Stop rolling your eyes!
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are arguing about a silly habit.
- ManonNe commence pas à lever les yeux au ciel, Lucas.Don't start rolling your eyes, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne le fais pas !I'm not doing it!
- ManonJe t'ai vu lever les yeux au ciel.I saw you roll your eyes.
- LucasD'accord, tu as gagné.Okay, you win.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciel, les, lever, lever les yeux au ciel, yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
