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

by de V. Payen-Payne

Sang

Cela fait faire du mauvais sang = That causes one to worry.

Suer sang et eau (fam.) = To strain every nerve.

*Bon sang ne peut mentir = Good breeding always shows itself; Like father, like son.

Sapin

Sa toux sent le sapin = He has a churchyard cough.

[Sapin = deal, of which coffins are made.]

Sauce

On ne sait à quelle sauce le mettre = There is no knowing what to do with him.

*Trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce = Too many cooks spoil the broth.