French Idioms and Proverbs / A Companion to Deshumbert's "Dictionary of Difficulties"

by de V. Payen-Payne

Acquit

Faire quelque chose par manière d’acquit = To do something for form’s sake, perfunctorily.

[This is a shortened form of faire quelque chose pour l’acquit de sa conscience = to do something to satisfy one’s conscience.]

Donner l’acquit = To break (at billiards).

Pour acquit = Received (on bills).

Acte

Faire acte de présence = To put in an appearance.

Adieu

Sans adieu = I shall not say good-bye; I shall see you again soon.

[“Adieu” is shortened from “Je vous recommande à la grâce de Dieu.” Comp. “Sans adieu, chevalier, je crois que nous nous reverrons bientôt.”—Lesage.]