المعنى
People will take advantage of a lack of supervision.
خلفية ثقافية
In French schools, this proverb is often taught very early through fables and children's stories, making it one of the most recognized idioms in the country. The proverb is used identically in Quebec, though the accent and surrounding slang might change (e.g., using 'le boss' instead of 'le patron'). The proverb is widely used in West African Francophone countries to describe political or social situations where local authorities are absent.
Use it for humor
This is a great phrase to break the ice with French colleagues when the boss leaves for a meeting.
Don't be too literal
If you use this when actual mice are in a room, people will think you are making a dad joke.
المعنى
People will take advantage of a lack of supervision.
Use it for humor
This is a great phrase to break the ice with French colleagues when the boss leaves for a meeting.
Don't be too literal
If you use this when actual mice are in a room, people will think you are making a dad joke.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the proverb.
Quand le chat n'est pas là, les souris _______.
The traditional verb used in this French proverb is 'dansent'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: The teacher leaves the room and students start talking.
This is the classic application of the proverb.
What does 'souris' mean in this context?
In the proverb, 'les souris' represents:
The mice are the people who take advantage of the lack of supervision.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Le chef est en réunion. B: Super ! _______ !
This is the natural idiomatic response to a boss being away.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينQuand le chat n'est pas là, les souris _______.
The traditional verb used in this French proverb is 'dansent'.
Situation: The teacher leaves the room and students start talking.
This is the classic application of the proverb.
In the proverb, 'les souris' represents:
The mice are the people who take advantage of the lack of supervision.
A: Le chef est en réunion. B: Super ! _______ !
This is the natural idiomatic response to a boss being away.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
4 أسئلةNot necessarily. It's usually playful. However, don't say it *to* your boss unless you have a very close, joking relationship.
Yes, you can say 'La souris danse' if only one person is slacking, but the plural 'les souris dansent' is the standard form.
The standard proverb is 'n'est pas là' (is not there). 'N'est plus là' (is no longer there) is grammatically correct but changes the fixed idiom.
Yes, it's a 'timeless' proverb. Even teenagers use it, though they might prefer slang in very casual settings.
عبارات ذات صلة
Faire la fête
similarTo party / have fun
Avoir quartier libre
similarTo have free time / be off duty
S'en donner à cœur joie
builds onTo do something with great delight
