معنی
Make efforts without achieving results; struggle inefficiently.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase is deeply linked to the Tour de France culture. Cycling is a national passion, and many idioms come from the 'peloton'. In Quebec, you might also hear 'pédaler dans la vase' (pedaling in the mud/silt), which is a more local environmental variation. Belgians use the phrase similarly to the French, but they might also use 'pédaler dans la mélasse' (pedaling in molasses) for an even stickier image. While the idiom is French, the word 'semoule' is the heart of Maghrebi cuisine. French speakers in North Africa find the idiom particularly funny because of the literal importance of semolina in their daily lives.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's a great way to admit you're lost without sounding too serious. It makes you more relatable to native speakers.
Watch the register
Don't use this in a formal email to a client. Keep it for spoken French or informal texts.
معنی
Make efforts without achieving results; struggle inefficiently.
Use it for self-deprecation
It's a great way to admit you're lost without sounding too serious. It makes you more relatable to native speakers.
Watch the register
Don't use this in a formal email to a client. Keep it for spoken French or informal texts.
Combine with 'complètement'
To sound more native, add 'complètement' or 'un peu' to nuance your struggle: 'Je pédale COMPLÈTEMENT dans la semoule'.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Depuis ce matin, je n'arrive pas à finir ce projet. Je ________ dans la semoule.
The verb in this idiom is always 'pédaler'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'pédaler dans la semoule'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom means to struggle without achieving results.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Tu as fini ton rapport ? B: Non, je ________.
This is the standard form of the idiom to express being stuck.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Pédaler dans la semoule means...
It describes the frustration of effort without progress.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاDepuis ce matin, je n'arrive pas à finir ce projet. Je ________ dans la semoule.
The verb in this idiom is always 'pédaler'.
Choose the correct context:
The idiom means to struggle without achieving results.
A: Tu as fini ton rapport ? B: Non, je ________.
This is the standard form of the idiom to express being stuck.
Pédaler dans la semoule means...
It describes the frustration of effort without progress.
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
10 سوالNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's like saying 'I'm spinning my wheels' in English.
Yes, but be careful. Saying 'Tu pédales dans la semoule' can sound a bit mocking, like 'You're flailing'.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Semoule' is just more common nowadays.
Technically people would understand, but it's not the correct idiom. Stick to 'semoule'.
Only in casual professional settings, like with colleagues you know well. Avoid it in formal meetings.
No, it's almost always used figuratively for mental or work-related struggles.
Use 'avoir': 'J'ai pédalé dans la semoule'.
Yes, though they have their own variations like 'pédaler dans la vase'.
Yes! 'Mon ordi pédale dans la semoule' is a very common way to say a computer is lagging.
'Spinning one's wheels' is the closest match in terms of meaning and imagery.
عبارات مرتبط
S'emmêler les pinceaux
similarTo get mixed up / confused.
Noyer le poisson
contrastTo drown the fish (to create confusion on purpose).
Faire du surplace
synonymTo stay in the same spot.
Être dans le pétrin
similarTo be in a mess / in trouble.
