Je lui ferai la barbe quand il voudra = I will show him who is master whenever he likes.

Barre

Vous arrivez trop tard, la barre est tirée = You are too late, the line is drawn, the list is closed.

Je ne fais que toucher barres = I am off again immediately.

J’ai barres sur lui = I have an advantage over him; I have the whip-hand (the pull) over him.

[Expressions taken from the game of barres, or prisoner’s base.]

Bas

*A porte basse, passant courbé = One must bow to circumstances.

Il se retira l’oreille basse = He went away with his tail between his legs.