french leave
French leave
/frɛntʃ liːv/
Definition
Meaning: French leave is an idiomatic expression used to describe leaving a place or event without informing anyone or without saying goodbye.
Signification: Cette expression décrit l'acte de partir d'un lieu ou d'un événement sans prévenir ou sans dire au revoir.
Note: The phrase French leave is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way but can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying rudeness or a lack of manners. Example: "He took French leave during the party and didn’t even say goodbye."
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Partir sans prévenir
» Quitter à l'anglaise
» S’éclipser discrètement
» Prendre congé sans avertir
Exemple: "Il a quitté à l'anglaise, personne ne s'en est rendu compte."
English synonyms
» Slip away unnoticed
» Leave without a word
» Disappear quietly
» Exit without saying goodbye
Example: "She decided to slip away unnoticed instead of saying her goodbyes."
Example Dialogue
Moletsane: "I can't believe he just took French leave without telling anyone!"
Keletso: "I know, right? It's so unprofessional."
Moletsane: "Exactly! We were counting on him for the meeting."
Keletso: "Let's hope he has a good excuse when he gets back."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase French leave refers to the act of leaving a social gathering or event without saying goodbye or informing anyone. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to date back to the 18th century, possibly linked to the notion that the French were perceived as being less formal in their social etiquette. The term suggests a casual or nonchalant attitude towards departure, often implying a desire to avoid the fuss of farewells.
Audience
The phrase "French leave" is recognized in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about social behaviour.
When to use: Use "French leave" when describing someone who leaves without informing others, often in a light-hearted or critical manner. For example: "He took French leave from the party without saying a word!"
Dictionary Meaning
There's no direct definition of to take French leave in The Cambridge Dictionary.
It only provides synonyms, which is a different way of meeting an expression or a term. Here are two of my own examples with the expression:
1. "They say Lehana decided to take French leave from the meeting, and not his boss?"
2. "Lieketseng never takes French leave; she always informs her team before leaving."
News Snippet
"A few days later, I again took French leave from the theatre visits and headed north, back to Haifa, on my own, to meet with an Arab-Israeli cultural activist who had organised a street installation memorialising the long history of Arab life in Haifa – a community that remains in place, albeit in fewer numbers than would have been true 80 or so years ago."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, excuse my French, watch the following videos.
Video Lesson One
Video Lesson Two
WordReference
When exploring the nuances of words, sometimes dictionaries don't provide enough context. The WordReference Forums offer insightful discussions that delve into the subtleties of language, including idiomatic expressions, usage nuances, and translations across languages.
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» Read about today's word of the day.
» English⇄English–Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French–Explore translations and linguistic nuances
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms–Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms and Expressions
Take French leave: To leave a gathering or place without informing others, often used humorously to describe a quiet or unnoticed departure.
Example: "He decided to take French leave before the speeches started."
Leave (as in time off): Refers to being absent from work or responsibilities, often categorized for specific reasons such as maternity leave or compassionate leave.
Examples 1: "She is on maternity leave for the next three months."
Example 2: "He took compassionate leave to be with his family during a difficult time."
Take leave of: Go away from someone or something.
Example: "It saddened me to take leave of Lesotho in 1981."
Take leave of your senses: Do or say or intend to do something strange or bizarre.
Example: "If you think he's a good president, you've taken leave of your senses!"
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