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

by de V. Payen-Payne

Peine

Cela ne vaut pas la peine = It is not worth the trouble; It is not worth while.

Mourir à la peine = 1. To die in harness. 2. To work oneself to death.

Peinture

Je ne peux pas le voir même en peinture = I hate the very sight of that man.

Pelé

Il y avait quatre pelés et un tondu = There were only a few people and those of no importance; Only the tag, rag, and bobtail were there.

Pelle

*La pelle se moque du fourgon = It is the pot calling the kettle black.

[Another English variant is: “The kiln calls the oven: Burnt house.” The Italians say: “La padella dice al pajuolo, ‘Fatti ni la che tu me tigni’” = The pan says to the pot, “Keep off or you’ll smutch me.” The Germans: “Ein Esel schimpft den andern Langohr” = One ass nicknames another Longears.]