What does a cockroach have to do with the blues? The verb ‘avoir’ is found in various French expressions. Here are the 6 funniest ones.

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

If you have the blues, in French you say: avoir le cafard.
>> Literally: to have the cockroach.
The meaning in French: Être déprimé ou mélancolique.

Having a hangover sounds a bit different in French: avoir la gueule de bois.
>> Literally: to have a wooden mouth.
The meaning in French: Être malade après avoir bu de l’alcool.

If you cannot choose, in French that is: avoir le cul entre deux chaises.
>> Literally: to sit between two chairs.
The meaning in French: Être indécis ou hésiter entre deux choix.

Having ambition is: avoir les dents longues.
>> Literally: to have long teeth.
The meaning in French: Avoir de grandes ambitions.

For someone who has influence, in French you say: avoir le bras long.
>> Literally: to have long arms. But it means that you have influence.
The meaning in French: Avoir de l’influence ou des relations influentes.

If you are lazy, you say: avoir un poil dans la main.
>> Literally: to have a hair in one’s hand.
The meaning in French: Être paresseux.