Bedeutung
Executed with great skill and expertise.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is deeply linked to the 'Compagnons du Devoir', a French organization of craftsmen and artisans dating back to the Middle Ages. Mastery is a sacred concept in French labor history. In Quebec, the phrase is used frequently in business and politics, often to describe the 'steady hand' required to navigate complex social issues. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, this phrase might be used to praise the intricate work of traditional weavers or jewelers. Given the Swiss reputation for watchmaking, this phrase is the ultimate compliment for a horologist's precision.
Use with 'Mener'
If you want to sound native, pair this phrase with the verb 'mener' (to lead). It's the most common and elegant combination.
Avoid 'Avec'
Many English speakers say 'avec main de maître'. While understandable, it marks you as a learner. Stick to 'de'.
Bedeutung
Executed with great skill and expertise.
Use with 'Mener'
If you want to sound native, pair this phrase with the verb 'mener' (to lead). It's the most common and elegant combination.
Avoid 'Avec'
Many English speakers say 'avec main de maître'. While understandable, it marks you as a learner. Stick to 'de'.
The Master vs. The Teacher
Remember that in French, 'maître' is also how students used to address teachers. The phrase carries that weight of authority.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
Le chef d'orchestre a dirigé la symphonie ___ ___ ___ ___.
The fixed expression is 'de main de maître'.
Which situation best fits the use of 'de main de maître'?
Situations: A) Making a sandwich. B) Successfully negotiating a peace treaty. C) Tripping on the stairs. D) Watching TV.
The phrase is used for high-level, expert achievements.
Which verb is MOST commonly used with 'de main de maître'?
___ une opération de main de maître.
'Mener' (to lead/conduct) is a very frequent collocate.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Comment s'est passée la conférence ? B: Très bien, l'organisateur a tout géré ___.
The context implies success and professional management.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenLe chef d'orchestre a dirigé la symphonie ___ ___ ___ ___.
The fixed expression is 'de main de maître'.
Situations: A) Making a sandwich. B) Successfully negotiating a peace treaty. C) Tripping on the stairs. D) Watching TV.
The phrase is used for high-level, expert achievements.
___ une opération de main de maître.
'Mener' (to lead/conduct) is a very frequent collocate.
A: Comment s'est passée la conférence ? B: Très bien, l'organisateur a tout géré ___.
The context implies success and professional management.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, 'de main de maître' is a fixed idiom and can be used for anyone. However, 'de main de maîtresse' is becoming more common in modern, inclusive French.
It's a bit formal, but you can use it to congratulate a friend on a big achievement (like a promotion) to show you're impressed.
'Un travail de pro' is more casual. 'De main de maître' implies a higher level of artistry and authority.
Rarely. The singular 'main' is the standard form for the idiom.
Yes, if the program was written or designed masterfully.
Usually, yes, as it refers to the 'hand' of an actor, but you can describe a result (like a book) as being 'fait de main de maître'.
Very often! Commentators use it to describe a perfectly executed play or strategy.
Not at all. It's a classic that remains very much alive in modern journalism and professional life.
Only ironically. If someone makes a huge mess, you could say 'C'est fait de main de maître' to be sarcastic.
It rhymes with 'lettre'. The 'ai' is like the 'e' in 'met'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Un travail d'orfèvre
similarExtremely precise work
Un coup de maître
builds onA masterstroke
Avec maestria
synonymWith great skill
De main de fer
contrastWith an iron fist
Comme un manche
contrastVery clumsily
