Significado
To become more important or dominant than something else, surpassing it in influence.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is a staple of French 'dissertation' (essay) writing, where students must weigh two opposing concepts. In Quebec, while the phrase is understood, you might also hear 'passer par-dessus' in more informal contexts to mean the same thing. In international diplomacy (often conducted in French), this phrase is used to discuss protocol and treaty precedence. Classic authors like Balzac used this to describe social climbing and the displacement of the old aristocracy by the bourgeoisie.
Use in Essays
This is a 'magic phrase' for French exams like DALF C1. It shows you can handle abstract comparisons.
Preposition Alert
Never forget the 'sur'. Without it, the phrase loses its meaning.
Significado
To become more important or dominant than something else, surpassing it in influence.
Use in Essays
This is a 'magic phrase' for French exams like DALF C1. It shows you can handle abstract comparisons.
Preposition Alert
Never forget the 'sur'. Without it, the phrase loses its meaning.
Hierarchy Matters
French speakers use this to show they have analyzed which factor is the most critical.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'prendre le pas sur'.
Dans cette entreprise, le profit a malheureusement ______ l'humain.
We need the passé composé 'a pris' followed by 'le pas sur'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
A) J'ai pris le pas sur le trottoir. B) L'écologie doit prendre le pas sur l'économie. C) Il a pris un pas sur son frère.
Sentence B correctly uses the figurative meaning of priority in a formal debate.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Pourquoi as-tu arrêté la musique ? B: ______.
This correctly explains that studies became more important than the hobby.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: A company chooses a cheap material instead of a durable one.
The thing that 'wins' (cost) takes the step over the thing that 'loses' (durability).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDans cette entreprise, le profit a malheureusement ______ l'humain.
We need the passé composé 'a pris' followed by 'le pas sur'.
A) J'ai pris le pas sur le trottoir. B) L'écologie doit prendre le pas sur l'économie. C) Il a pris un pas sur son frère.
Sentence B correctly uses the figurative meaning of priority in a formal debate.
A: Pourquoi as-tu arrêté la musique ? B: ______.
This correctly explains that studies became more important than the hobby.
Situation: A company chooses a cheap material instead of a durable one.
The thing that 'wins' (cost) takes the step over the thing that 'loses' (durability).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasYes, but it sounds very formal or competitive. 'Il a pris le pas sur son rival' means he has surpassed him in importance or rank.
No. 'La paix a pris le pas sur la guerre' is positive. It just describes which thing is dominant.
'Primer sur' is more about a rule or a principle, while 'prendre le pas' is more about a process of change.
No, it must be 'le pas'. It is a fixed expression.
Frases relacionadas
Primer sur
synonymTo take precedence over
L'emporter sur
similarTo prevail over
S'effacer devant
contrastTo step aside for
Faire le premier pas
confusingTo take the first step
Prendre le dessus
similarTo get the upper hand
