What are common French idioms for describing feelings

Common French idioms for describing feelings often involve vivid, metaphorical expressions rooted in bodily sensations or emotional states. Here are some frequent idioms used in French to portray feelings:

• Avoir le cafard — Literally means “to have the cockroach,” and it expresses feeling down or depressed.
• Avoir le cœur sur la main — Literally “to have the heart on the hand,” meaning to be very generous or kind-hearted.
• Prendre quelqu’un la tête — Literally “to take someone’s head,” used to signify annoying or bothering someone.
• Avoir la rage — Meaning “to be furious” or extremely angry.
• Être sur un petit nuage — Literally means “to be on a little cloud,” expressing feeling very happy or euphoric.
• Avoir une peur bleue — Means “to be scared stiff” or extremely frightened.
• Avoir la boule au ventre — Literally “to have a ball in the stomach,” used when feeling anxious or nervous.
• Avoir le sang chaud — Means “to have hot blood,” describing someone quick-tempered or passionate.

These idioms reflect common ways French speakers describe emotional states metaphorically, often using parts of the body or strong imagery to convey feelings vividly. They are useful for expressing a range of emotions from happiness and kindness to fear and anger, making them common in everyday French conversations. ^{2, 12}

References

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