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

by de V. Payen-Payne

Coule

C’est un homme à la coule (pop.) = He is a smart, knowing chap.

[Compare: Il la connaît dans les coins, celui-là = He knows his business in every corner.]

Couler

Ce qu’il dit coule de source = What he says comes from the heart, comes fluently from his lips.

Cela coule de source = That follows naturally.

Couler à fond = (of ships) To founder; (of persons) To be ruined.

*Il faut laisser couler l’eau = What can’t be cured must be endured.

Coulisse