souffler le chaud et le froid

You use it just like a regular verb. The subject is the person being inconsistent. You can say Il souffle le chaud et le froid. It works perfectly when talking about dating or bosses. It describes a person who sends mixed signals. You can use it to complain about a friend's mood swings. It is a very visual way to describe emotional instability.

Use it when you are frustrated by someone's flip-flopping. It is great for venting to a best friend. Use it in a meeting if a client keeps changing their demands. It fits perfectly in a text message about a confusing date. If your cat wants pets then bites you, this phrase applies. It is common in political commentary too. Use it whenever someone is being 'hot and cold'.

Do not use this to describe the actual weather. If it is sunny then rainy, use le temps est changeant. Avoid using it for physical objects like a shower. It is strictly for human behavior or metaphorical situations. Do not use it to mean 'brave' or 'courageous'. That would be a major misunderstanding. It is never a compliment for someone's stability.

This expression comes from one of Aesop’s fables, 'The Satyr and the Traveler'. In the story, a man blows on his hands to warm them. Later, he blows on his soup to cool it down. The Satyr gets confused by this 'double breath'. He decides he cannot trust someone who uses the same mouth for two opposites. Since the 17th century, it has meant being untrustworthy or indecisive. It is a classic part of the French literary heritage.

You might hear ménager la chèvre et le chou. That means trying to please two opposing sides. However, souffler le chaud et le froid is more about the person's own mood. Sometimes people just say il est lunatique. But the 'hot and cold' imagery is much more evocative. Stick to the original for the most impact. It sounds sophisticated yet very relatable.