faire du surplace
To say "treading water" in French, use faire du surplace.
The phrase faire du surplace is used metaphorically to describe making little or no progress toward a goal despite the continued effort being put in.
Did you know?
- While the English idiom uses a water-based metaphor, the French phrase faire du surplace literally translates to 'to do in the place' or 'to do on the spot'.
- The phrase faire du surplace is frequently used in French political discourse to criticize a government that is seen as stagnant or unable to pass reforms.
- The word faire shares the same Latin root, 'facere', as the English word 'fact'.
Examples in context
- Depuis des mois, son projet fait du surplace.For months, his project has been treading water.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing their progress on a shared task.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu avances sur ton rapport, Manon ?Are you making progress on your report, Manon?
- ManonNon, j'ai l'impression de faire du surplace.No, I feel like I'm treading water.
- GabrielTu veux que je t'aide pour débloquer la situation ?Do you want me to help you get things moving?
- ManonOui, ce serait vraiment gentil de ta part, Gabriel.Yes, that would be really kind of you, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, faire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
