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

by de V. Payen-Payne

Apache

C’est un apache (pop.) = He is a hooligan.

Apothicaire

C’est un apothicaire sans sucre = He is unprovided with the necessities of his profession.

[Druggists in France formerly sold sugar which they used almost in every preparation. Hence one who had no sugar was badly stocked.]

Apôtre

Faire le bon apôtre = To put on a saintly look; To pretend to be holy.

[“Tout Picard que j’étais, j’étais un bon apôtre Et je faisais claquer mon fouet tout comme un autre.”
Racine, Plaideurs, i. 1.]

Apparence

Pour sauver les apparences = For the sake of appearances.