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FRENCH WORD OF THE DAY

French phrase of the Day: Le bout du tunnel

You’re by nature optimistic? Here’s the perfect expression for you. 

Published: 31 August 2021 13:22 CEST
French phrase of the Day: Le bout du tunnel
Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash/Nicolas Raymond

Why do I need to know Le bout du tunnel?

Because there’s always a way out when you are stuck in a difficult situation.  

What does it mean?

Le bout du tunnel literally means ‘the end of the tunnel’. It is used when you come out of an inextricable situation or when an unpleasant period finally ends. 

The image is quite straightforward: in the same way that we always feel happy when we get out of a dark and gloomy tunnel, we’re relieved when a tricky situation we were in comes to an end.

This expression dates back to 1897 which first existed as sortir du tunnel – to exit a tunnel. Then the variation Le bout du tunnel appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. 

Use it like this

Les Français voient enfin le bout du tunnel – The French are finally seeing the end of the tunnel. 

Après des mois de problèmes financiers, je commence à voir le bout du tunnel – After months of experiencing money problems, I’m starting to see the end of the tunnel.

Synonyms

Les choses s’arrangent enfin ! – Things are finally improving!

Tout va mieux – Everything is better now

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For members

FRENCH WORD OF THE DAY

French Expression of the Day: Il n’y a pas photo

This French expression might come up a few times during the Olympic Games.

Published: 2 May 2024 10:49 CEST
French Expression of the Day: Il n’y a pas photo

Why do I need to know il n’y a pas photo?

Because if you ask about the score and a French person responds with this phrase, then you’ll either be delighted or disappointed.

What does it mean?

Il n’y a pas photo – roughly pronounced eel nee-ah pah photo – translates precisely as ‘there is no photo’.

The colloquial expression is not very old – it became popular in the 1980s and hails from horse racing. It basically means ‘it’s not even close’.

In horse racing context, if you cannot tell by eyesight alone who crossed the finishing line first, then you would use a photo to determine the winner, which is where the phrase ‘photo finish’ comes from.

However, if the result is clear and the winner is obvious, then you would say il n’y a pas photo, or just y a pas photo. 

These days, the expression is a way to say that there is no doubt in your mind when it comes to whatever you are discussing – like saying ‘no question’.

Usually, it is used in sporting contexts, but you could say it in other situations too. For example, if you think one song is without a doubt better than another, you could say y a pas photo, or if you are making a point about a belief you feel strongly about.

Alternatively, you could say il n’y a pas de doute (there is no doubt).

Use it like this

Pour moi, il n’y a pas photo. Je soutiens totalement cette politique. – For me, it’s no question. I totally support this policy.

Y a pas photo! Tupac est un meilleur rappeur que Biggie. – It’s not even close! Tupac is better rapper than Biggie.

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