A tasty journey into language, humour and national identity
The French are famous for their cuisine — but did you know that their language is equally seasoned with culinary references? Food is so central to French life that it has seeped into idioms, expressions, and everyday conversations. Let’s take a closer look at five popular French food-inspired phrases — and what they say about the culture behind them.
1. “Avoir du pain sur la planche” – To have bread on the board
Literal meaning: To have bread on the cutting board
Actual meaning: To have a lot of work to do
This phrase speaks to a time when bread was a daily task — kneaded, baked and prepared at home. In modern French, it’s used to describe being very busy or overwhelmed.
2. “Raconter des salades” – To tell salads
Literal meaning: To tell salads
Actual meaning: To tell lies or exaggerated stories
French humour is playful, and this expression is no exception. Imagine someone tossing together stories the way you’d toss a salad — light, colourful, but perhaps lacking substance.
Next time someone’s “raconter des salades”, offer them one of our honest, no-nonsense tapenades or terrines — full of real flavour and zero bluff.
3. “Être dans le pâté” – To be in the pâté
Literal meaning: To be in the pâté
Actual meaning: To feel exhausted, foggy or confused
This classic idiom captures that sluggish, tired feeling — often used after a long day or a short night.
Ironically, pâté in France is a delicacy, rich and comforting. So while the phrase isn’t exactly glamorous, it’s a reminder that even when you’re “in the pâté”, there’s always pâté waiting in the fridge (and you know where to find it…).
4. “Mettre de l’eau dans son vin” – To put water in your wine
Literal meaning: To dilute your wine
Actual meaning: To make compromises, calm down, or soften your stance
This elegant expression reveals the French art of negotiation. It’s not about giving up, but about finding middle ground — and keeping things civil.
And of course, while we don’t recommend watering down good wine, we do recommend pairing it with our gourmet snacks for a balanced apéro.
5. “C’est la fin des haricots” – It’s the end of the beans
Literal meaning: The beans are finished
Actual meaning: That’s the last straw, or it’s hopeless
A charmingly dramatic phrase! In times of hardship, beans were the last resort — cheap, humble, and nourishing. So when even the beans are gone, you know it’s serious.
Fortunately, at Mon Panier Latin, we’ve got no shortage of good things. Even if it feels like the end of the beans — our pantry is full of comfort, flavour and surprises.
Why These Expressions Matter
These idioms aren’t just fun — they reflect how deeply food is woven into French identity. From resilience and humour to pride and passion, France communicates through the language of its cuisine.
And so do we. Whether you’re looking for authentic flavours or a slice of culture, Mon Panier Latin is here to speak your language — one expression (and one box of sablés) at a time.
