10 French Idiomatic Expressions with "Manger" That Will Spice Up Your French

If you’re learning French, you’ve probably noticed that the verb "manger" (to eat) goes beyond just talking about food. The French love their idiomatic expressions, and many of them use this delicious verb in creative ways.

So, let’s dig in and explore 10 French expressions with "manger" that will make you sound more like a native speaker!

1. Manger sur le pouce

📌 Literal translation: To eat on the thumb
📌 Meaning: To grab a quick bite

This expression is used when you eat in a hurry, usually standing up or without taking the time to sit down properly.

👉 Exemple:

"Ce matin, j'étais pressé, alors j'ai mangé sur le pouce."*
(This morning, I was in a rush, so I grabbed a quick bite.)

2. Manger comme quatre

📌 Literal translation: To eat like four
📌 Meaning: To eat a lot

If someone has a huge appetite, you can say they "eat like four people!"

👉 Exemple:

"Après sa séance de sport, il mange comme quatre !"*
(After his workout, he eats like a horse!)

3. Manger à tous les râteliers

📌 Literal translation: To eat at all the troughs
📌 Meaning: To take advantage of every opportunity (sometimes in a selfish way)

This expression is often used for people who benefit from multiple sources without loyalty.

👉 Exemple:

"Il change toujours de camp pour avoir des avantages, il mange à tous les râteliers."*
(He always switches sides for benefits; he takes advantage of every opportunity.)

4. Manger son pain blanc

📌 Literal translation: To eat one's white bread
📌 Meaning: To enjoy the good times before things get harder

In the past, white bread was considered a luxury, while darker bread was for the poor. This expression means you’re currently experiencing the best part before difficulties arrive.

👉 Exemple:

"Profite bien de ton début de carrière, tu manges ton pain blanc !"*
(Enjoy the start of your career; this is the easy part!)

5. Manger son chapeau

📌 Literal translation: To eat one’s hat
📌 Meaning: To admit being wrong

Just like in English, this expression is used when someone has to admit they were mistaken about something.

👉 Exemple:

"Si cet acteur gagne un Oscar, je mange mon chapeau !"*
(If that actor wins an Oscar, I'll eat my hat!)

6. Se faire manger la laine sur le dos

📌 Literal translation: To have the wool eaten off your back
📌 Meaning: To be taken advantage of

This phrase is used when someone is being exploited or taken for a fool.

👉 Exemple:

"Il est trop gentil, tout le monde lui demande des services… Il se fait manger la laine sur le dos !"*
(He’s too nice, everyone asks him for favors… He’s being taken advantage of!)

7. Manger les pissenlits par la racine

📌 Literal translation: To eat dandelions by the root
📌 Meaning: To be dead and buried

A colorful way to talk about death, this phrase is often used humorously.

👉 Exemple:

"À 100 ans, il n’a toujours pas mangé les pissenlits par la racine !"*
(At 100 years old, he still hasn’t kicked the bucket!)

8. Manger son blé en herbe

📌 Literal translation: To eat one’s wheat while it’s still grass
📌 Meaning: To spend money before earning it

This expression refers to wasting resources too early, similar to “counting your chickens before they hatch.”

👉 Exemple:

"Il a déjà tout dépensé avant même d’être payé, il mange son blé en herbe."*
(He already spent everything before getting paid—he’s burning through his money too soon!)

9. Manger des briques

📌 Literal translation: To eat bricks
📌 Meaning: To be broke and hungry

When someone is struggling financially and can’t even afford a decent meal, they "eat bricks."

👉 Exemple:

"Depuis qu’il a perdu son travail, il mange des briques."*
(Since he lost his job, he’s really struggling financially.)

10. Manger du lion

📌 Literal translation: To eat lion
📌 Meaning: To have incredible energy or motivation

If someone is hyperactive or full of energy, they must have "eaten lion" for breakfast!

👉 Exemple:

"Ce matin, il est en pleine forme, il a dû manger du lion !"*
(This morning, he’s so full of energy—he must have eaten lion!)

Learning idiomatic expressions is a great way to boost your fluency in French and impress native speakers. Now that you’ve got 10 expressions with "manger" in your vocabulary, try using them in conversations!

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