traîner des casseroles

You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone traîne une casserole (singular) for one specific event. Or you can say they traînent des casseroles (plural) if their history is a disaster. You usually use it with the verb traîner (to drag). It is perfect for talking about public figures. It also works for that one colleague who always ruins projects.

Use it when discussing politics or office gossip. It is great for a coffee break chat. If a politician is running for office but had a tax scandal, they are traînant une casserole. You can use it when a friend brings up an ex-boyfriend who was a nightmare. It fits perfectly when someone's past actions are affecting their current success. It adds a bit of descriptive flair to your storytelling.

Do not use this for physical objects. If you are literally moving kitchenware, just say you are carrying them. Avoid using it in very formal legal documents. It is a bit too colorful for a courtroom. Also, do not use it for minor, cute mistakes. If you tripped once in high school, that is not a casserole. A casserole is heavy and loud.

This phrase became very popular in French political journalism. In the early 20th century, the image of a dog with a pan tied to its tail was common in cartoons. It represented someone being chased by their own shame. The French love a good political scandal. This phrase captures the drama perfectly. It suggests that the past is never truly gone. It just waits to make noise at the worst time.

You might hear avoir une casserole aux fesses. This is more vulgar. It literally means having a saucepan at your backside. Another version is traîner un boulet. This means dragging a ball and chain. While a boulet is just a burden, a casserole is specifically about a public reputation. Stick to the saucepan version for the best balance of imagery and impact.