Significado
To find it easy to do something, often to criticize or mock.
Contexto cultural
In French politics, this phrase is a staple of 'Le Canard Enchaîné' and other satirical or investigative journals. It highlights the perceived lack of integrity in political turncoats. While standard in Quebec, you might also hear 'avoir la partie facile'. However, 'avoir beau jeu' remains the preferred choice for formal debates on Radio-Canada. In Belgian French, the expression is used identically to France, often appearing in editorials discussing the complex federal politics of the country. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, this formal expression is often used in high-level diplomatic or legal contexts, reflecting the prestige of 'le français soutenu'.
Use it for Hypocrisy
The most powerful way to use this is when someone criticizes you for something they also do. It's the perfect 'gotcha' phrase.
Don't pluralize
Even if you are talking about many people, it is always 'beau jeu', never 'beaux jeux'.
Significado
To find it easy to do something, often to criticize or mock.
Use it for Hypocrisy
The most powerful way to use this is when someone criticizes you for something they also do. It's the perfect 'gotcha' phrase.
Don't pluralize
Even if you are talking about many people, it is always 'beau jeu', never 'beaux jeux'.
Journalistic Staple
If you read French editorials (Le Monde, Le Figaro), you will see this phrase constantly. Learning it will unlock a lot of high-level reading comprehension.
Ponte a prueba
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte de l'expression.
Après la défaite de l'équipe, les journalistes ______ critiquer les choix de l'entraîneur.
The full expression is 'avoir beau jeu de' + infinitive.
Quelle phrase exprime une critique de l'opportunisme ?
Choisissez la meilleure option :
This sentence uses the idiom to point out hypocrisy, which is its primary figurative use.
Complétez le dialogue de manière naturelle.
A: 'Le patron dit que nous ne travaillons pas assez.' B: 'Il ______ dire ça, il passe ses journées en vacances !'
The context of an unfair criticism from a superior perfectly fits 'avoir beau jeu de'.
Associez la situation à l'utilisation de l'expression.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous 'avoir beau jeu de' ?
The expression is used to highlight the ease or hypocrisy of a criticism.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosAprès la défaite de l'équipe, les journalistes ______ critiquer les choix de l'entraîneur.
The full expression is 'avoir beau jeu de' + infinitive.
Choisissez la meilleure option :
This sentence uses the idiom to point out hypocrisy, which is its primary figurative use.
A: 'Le patron dit que nous ne travaillons pas assez.' B: 'Il ______ dire ça, il passe ses journées en vacances !'
The context of an unfair criticism from a superior perfectly fits 'avoir beau jeu de'.
Dans quelle situation utiliseriez-vous 'avoir beau jeu de' ?
The expression is used to highlight the ease or hypocrisy of a criticism.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is polite in terms of register, but the meaning is often a bit aggressive or dismissive. It's a 'polite way' to call someone an opportunist.
No, it is almost always followed by 'de' + infinitive. You wouldn't say 'Il a beau jeu que...'.
The closest are 'to have a field day' or 'it's all well and good for someone to say'.
Yes, but mostly by educated speakers or in serious discussions. You won't hear it much in a nightclub!
No, 'beau jeu' is a fixed masculine noun phrase in this idiom.
If you add 'un', it becomes literal (like having a good hand in cards). The idiom usually omits the article 'un'.
Not at all. It is very common in modern journalism and political commentary.
Rarely. It almost always implies that the 'ease' is a bit unfair or that the person is being a bit of a 'lazy' critic.
'Avoir la part belle' is more about getting the best deal; 'avoir beau jeu de' is more about having an easy target for criticism.
It's like the 'u' in 'burn' but with rounded lips. Don't pronounce it like 'joue' (cheek).
Frases relacionadas
Avoir la part belle
synonymTo have the best part of a situation.
Avoir beau + infinitif
similarTo do something in vain.
Donner beau jeu à quelqu'un
builds onTo give someone an easy opportunity to attack you.
C'est facile à dire
similarIt's easy to say.
