In French, the word “affaire” has a different meaning than in Dutch. In French, the word is translated as “case” or “matter,” in the sense of an event, an issue, or a business. There are also several idioms using this word.

Are you already familiar with these expressions using the word affaire? Discover their meanings and expand your French vocabulary.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation, the French expression is: être dans une sacrée affaire.

Literally: To be in a sacred matter.

The meaning in French: Être dans une situation difficile ou compliquée.

If a deal is clinched, you say: l‘affaire est dans le sac.

Literally: The matter is in the bag.

The meaning in French: Une affaire ou un accord est conclu avec succès.

Are you making a mountain out of a molehill? In French, you say: faire d’une affaire une montagne

Literally: To make a mountain out of a matter.

The meaning in French: Exagérer ou dramatiser une situation.

If a matter is settled, it is: l‘affaire est pliée

Literally: The matter is folded.

The meaning in French: Tout est réglé et terminé.

A matter of minutes is called in French: C’est l’affaire d’une minute

Literally: It is a matter of a minute.

The meaning in French: Cela ne prendra que très peu de temps.

If you want to tell someone not to interfere, you say C’est mon affaire.

>> Literally: It is my business.

The meaning in French: C’est mon problème ou ma responsabilité.