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

by de V. Payen-Payne

Aux frais de la Princesse = At another’s expense (chiefly of the State Government).

Prise

Ils étaient aux prises = They had closed; They were at close quarters.

Je les ai mis aux prises = I have set them one against the other.

Je leur ai donné prise sur moi = I gave them a handle on me.

Lâcher prise = To let go one’s hold.

Procès

Sans autre forme de procès = Without any more ado.

Promener