se sentir pousser des ailes
To be close to
Literalmente: To feel wings growing on oneself
En 15 segundos
- Feeling a sudden burst of extreme confidence or ambition.
- Metaphorically growing wings to fly over obstacles.
- Used when success makes someone feel unstoppable and brave.
Significado
It describes that sudden surge of confidence or energy that makes you feel like you can achieve anything. It is the feeling of being empowered, inspired, or unstoppable in a new situation.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6After getting a job offer
Depuis qu'il a eu ce travail, il se sent pousser des ailes.
Since he got that job, he feels like he can do anything.
A shy friend talking to a stranger
Regarde-la ! Elle se sent pousser des ailes ce soir.
Look at her! She's feeling really bold tonight.
In a professional meeting after a win
Ce succès nous donne envie de nous sentir pousser des ailes pour le prochain projet.
This success makes us feel empowered for the next project.
Contexto cultural
In French literature, this phrase is often linked to the concept of 'le dépassement de soi' (surpassing oneself). It's a key theme in existentialist works where characters find their freedom. The phrase is used identically in Quebec, though it might be paired with more local expressions of excitement like 'être aux oiseaux' (to be with the birds/to be very happy). In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, the phrase is understood but sometimes replaced by more vivid local metaphors involving strength, like 'avoir le vent en poupe' (having the wind in one's sails). The idiom is a staple of sports journalism across the French-speaking world, used to describe an underdog team that suddenly starts playing brilliantly.
Use it in interviews
Saying 'Ce défi me fait me sentir pousser des ailes' shows enthusiasm and confidence to an employer.
Don't forget the 'se'
Without 'se', the sentence means you are feeling someone else's wings grow, which is weird!
En 15 segundos
- Feeling a sudden burst of extreme confidence or ambition.
- Metaphorically growing wings to fly over obstacles.
- Used when success makes someone feel unstoppable and brave.
What It Means
Imagine you just got a promotion or a compliment from your crush. You feel light, powerful, and ready to fly. That is exactly what se sentir pousser des ailes captures. It is not about literal flight. It is about that internal shift from doubt to total confidence. You feel like you have gained a new superpower. It is the French way of saying you are on top of the world.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone’s behavior changes because of a success. It often follows a positive event. You can use it for yourself: Je me sens pousser des ailes. Or you can use it to describe a friend who is suddenly acting very bold. It works perfectly with the verb sentir (to feel). Just remember to conjugate se sentir to match the person you are talking about.
When To Use It
Use it when someone takes a big risk because they feel brave. It is great for sports after a team scores a goal. It is perfect for the office after a successful presentation. You can even use it at a party. If your shy friend starts dancing on the table, they definitely se sentent pousser des ailes. It is a very positive, high-energy expression.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in truly somber or tragic situations. It is too energetic and joyful for a funeral or a breakup. Also, do not use it for physical growth. If you are actually growing taller, this is not the phrase! It is strictly for metaphorical confidence. Using it for a small, boring task like washing dishes might sound a bit too sarcastic.
Cultural Background
This expression has roots in the myth of Icarus, but without the tragic ending. In French culture, there is a deep appreciation for the 'élan'—that sudden burst of spirit. The image of wings is a universal symbol of freedom and divinity. For the French, it represents breaking free from the 'pesanteur' (heaviness) of daily life. It became widely popular in the 20th century to describe sudden ambition.
Common Variations
You might hear people say ça lui donne des ailes (that gives him/her wings). This is very similar to the Red Bull slogan! Another variation is avoir des ailes, which is shorter but less descriptive of the process. Se sentir pousser des ailes is more poetic. It implies the wings are growing right now because of the excitement.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. It is particularly effective in motivational contexts or when celebrating a personal breakthrough.
Use it in interviews
Saying 'Ce défi me fait me sentir pousser des ailes' shows enthusiasm and confidence to an employer.
Don't forget the 'se'
Without 'se', the sentence means you are feeling someone else's wings grow, which is weird!
The 'Red Bull' connection
French people often joke about the Red Bull slogan using this idiom.
Past tense agreement
In 'Je me suis senti(e) pousser des ailes', the 'e' is added if the speaker is female, though many natives forget this in writing.
Ejemplos
6Depuis qu'il a eu ce travail, il se sent pousser des ailes.
Since he got that job, he feels like he can do anything.
Shows a permanent shift in confidence due to success.
Regarde-la ! Elle se sent pousser des ailes ce soir.
Look at her! She's feeling really bold tonight.
Used to describe a surprising burst of social courage.
Ce succès nous donne envie de nous sentir pousser des ailes pour le prochain projet.
This success makes us feel empowered for the next project.
Slightly more formal but still very inspiring.
J'ai soulevé 100kg, je me sens pousser des ailes !
I lifted 100kg, I feel unstoppable!
Commonly used for physical or personal achievements.
Il roule vite, il doit se sentir pousser des ailes !
He's driving fast, he must think he's a pilot!
A cheeky way to comment on someone's overconfidence.
Allez, lance-toi, tu vas te sentir pousser des ailes !
Go for it, you'll feel so empowered!
Used as a motivational push.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Depuis qu'il a gagné le concours, il se _______ pousser des ailes.
The subject is 'il', so the verb 'sentir' must be conjugated in the third person singular present tense.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'se sentir pousser des ailes'?
Choose the best context:
The idiom describes a surge of confidence and empowerment, which fits the second scenario.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu as l'air très en forme ! B: Oui, j'ai réussi mon examen, je _______ !
The full reflexive idiom is 'me sens pousser des ailes'.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related wing metaphors in French.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Confidence Levels
Common Contexts
Work
- • Promotion
- • New Project
Personal
- • First Date
- • Travel
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosDepuis qu'il a gagné le concours, il se _______ pousser des ailes.
The subject is 'il', so the verb 'sentir' must be conjugated in the third person singular present tense.
Choose the best context:
The idiom describes a surge of confidence and empowerment, which fits the second scenario.
A: Tu as l'air très en forme ! B: Oui, j'ai réussi mon examen, je _______ !
The full reflexive idiom is 'me sens pousser des ailes'.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are all related wing metaphors in French.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes! 'Nous nous sentons pousser des ailes' or 'L'équipe se sent pousser des ailes'.
No, it's neutral enough. It shows passion. However, 'Je suis très motivé' is safer if the boss is very traditional.
Usually, yes. It describes the *feeling* that follows success or a positive realization.
There isn't a direct 'wing' opposite, but 'avoir le moral dans les chaussettes' (to have morale in one's socks) is a good contrast.
No, the idiom is fixed in the plural 'des ailes'.
Frequently! It's a classic line for a hero who has just found their courage.
Yes, it's very common to describe a child gaining confidence.
In other contexts, yes. But here it means 'to grow' (like a plant).
Yes: 'Je ne me sens pas vraiment pousser des ailes aujourd'hui.' (I'm not feeling very confident today).
Yes, 'avoir la dalle' (to be hungry for success) or 'être au taquet' (to be at the max).
Not usually. It implies exhilaration and empowerment, which is generally seen as positive.
Absolutely. Love is one of the most common triggers for this feeling.
Frases relacionadas
donner des ailes
causeTo give someone wings/confidence
voler de ses propres ailes
similarTo be independent
avoir le vent en poupe
similarTo have the wind in one's sails
être gonflé à bloc
synonymTo be pumped up
brûler ses ailes
contrastTo ruin oneself through ambition
