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

by de V. Payen-Payne

Mettre les rieurs de son côté = To turn the laugh against a man.

Vous êtes du bon côté = You are on the right side.

Vous êtes du côté du manche = You are on the winning side.

Donner à côté = To miss the mark.

Coton

Depuis sa faillite il file un mauvais coton (fam.) = Since his failure, his health (or, reputation) has entirely broken down.

Coucher

On est plus couché que debout = Life is short compared with eternity.

Je l’ai couché en joue = I aimed at him.

Coucher dans son fourreau = To go to sleep without undressing; To turn in all standing (nav.).