French Expression of the Day: Bras droit
It can be handy to have a 'bras droit' alongside you. We take a look at the origins of this widely-used French expression.
Why do I need to know bras droit?
Because any powerful Frenchman needs a reliable one.
What does it mean?
Bras droit, pronounced brah dwah, literally means right arm.
But it is often used figuratively to talk about someone's right-hand-man -- a trusted aid, adviser or confidant.
The term comes from the fact that traditionally, most people would wield a sword with their right hand. The implication is that a good bras droit will fight for their master.
Comment le bras droit d’Emmanuel Macron veut garder la main sur la campagne - How the right-hand-man of Emmanuel Macron wants to keep control of the campaign
Le bras droit de Jean-Luc Mélenchon, s’en prend au groupe TF1 - The right-hand-man of Jean-Luc Mélenchon attacks the TF1 group
Le colonel, avait été le bras droit du général Lyautey - The colonel was the right-hand-man of General Lyautey
Other French arm expressions
There are lots of French expressions with the word bras. Here's our selection of some of the best:
Bras de fer - Arm wrestle (sometimes used as a metaphor for the struggle between two opposing parties)
Force de bras - Manpower
Avoir le bras long - To be well-connected and influential
Baisser le bras - To stand down
Coûter un bras - To be expensive
Lever les bras au ciel - Lifting hands to the sky in surprise or gratitude
Tendre les bras à quelqu'un - To reach out to someone with open arms
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Why do I need to know bras droit?
Because any powerful Frenchman needs a reliable one.
What does it mean?
Bras droit, pronounced brah dwah, literally means right arm.
But it is often used figuratively to talk about someone's right-hand-man -- a trusted aid, adviser or confidant.
The term comes from the fact that traditionally, most people would wield a sword with their right hand. The implication is that a good bras droit will fight for their master.
Comment le bras droit d’Emmanuel Macron veut garder la main sur la campagne - How the right-hand-man of Emmanuel Macron wants to keep control of the campaign
Le bras droit de Jean-Luc Mélenchon, s’en prend au groupe TF1 - The right-hand-man of Jean-Luc Mélenchon attacks the TF1 group
Le colonel, avait été le bras droit du général Lyautey - The colonel was the right-hand-man of General Lyautey
Other French arm expressions
There are lots of French expressions with the word bras. Here's our selection of some of the best:
Bras de fer - Arm wrestle (sometimes used as a metaphor for the struggle between two opposing parties)
Force de bras - Manpower
Avoir le bras long - To be well-connected and influential
Baisser le bras - To stand down
Coûter un bras - To be expensive
Lever les bras au ciel - Lifting hands to the sky in surprise or gratitude
Tendre les bras à quelqu'un - To reach out to someone with open arms
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