Il est dit habile, qui fraude ami et pile. He is called clever who cheats and plunders his friend.
Il est du naturel du chat, il retombe toujours sur ses pieds. He is like a cat, he always falls on his feet.
Il est juste que le prêtre vive de l’autel. It is just that the priest should live by the altar.
Il est né coiffé. He was born with a caul.
Il est né dimanche, il aime besogne faite. He was born on a Sunday, he likes work ready done.
Il est plus aisé de se tirer de la rive que du fond. It is easier to get away from the bank than the bottom.
Il est tout prêché qui n’a cure de bien faire. He is past preaching to who does not care to do well.
Il est trop tard de fermer l’écurie quand les chevaux sont pris. It is too late to lock the stable-door when the steeds are stolen.
Il fait bien mauvais au bois quand les loups se mangent l’un l’autre. Very hard times in the wood when the wolves eat each other.
Il fait bon battre l’orgueilleux quand il est seul. It is good to beat a proud man when he is alone.