در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to describe being financially broke or physically exhausted.
- Literally means 'to pull the tongue' like a tired runner.
- Commonly used when complaining about the end of the month.
معنی
While it literally looks like sticking your tongue out, it actually means you are struggling financially or are physically exhausted. It is that feeling of 'running on fumes' or barely making it to the end of the month.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Talking about finances
En ce moment, avec le loyer, je tire vraiment la langue.
Right now, with the rent, I'm really struggling to make ends meet.
After a long hike
Après dix kilomètres de montée, tout le groupe tirait la langue.
After a ten-kilometer climb, the whole group was exhausted.
Discussing a project at work
L'équipe tire la langue sur ce projet, on a besoin de renfort.
The team is struggling with this project; we need backup.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase is a staple of French news headlines during periods of inflation or economic crisis, often used to describe the 'pouvoir d'achat' (purchasing power) of the middle class. While understood, Quebecers might also use 'être cassé' (to be broken) or 'être dans les brous' for similar financial situations. The usage is identical to France, often heard in Brussels when discussing the cost of living in the capital. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, the phrase is used but often accompanied by more local colorful expressions for poverty like 'être en galère'.
Use it for the 'End of the Month'
In France, 'la fin du mois' is a very common topic. Using 'tirer la langue' in this specific context makes you sound very native.
Watch the Preposition
Don't say 'tirer la langue À l'argent'. Just say 'tirer la langue' or 'tirer la langue financièrement'.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used to describe being financially broke or physically exhausted.
- Literally means 'to pull the tongue' like a tired runner.
- Commonly used when complaining about the end of the month.
What It Means
Imagine a runner crossing a finish line. Their tongue is hanging out because they are spent. In French, tirer la langue captures that exact exhaustion. It describes two main struggles. First, it means being broke. You are barely finishing the month financially. Second, it means being physically or mentally worn out. You are panting from the effort of life.
How To Use It
You use it like a regular verb. Just conjugate tirer to match your subject. You can say je tire la langue or nous tirons la langue. It usually stands alone to describe a state of being. You don't need to add many extra words. It is a vivid way to say 'I am struggling.'
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your bank account. It is perfect for the 25th of the month. Use it after a long, grueling week at work. It works well when chatting with close colleagues. It is great for venting to your best friend. It adds a touch of drama to your fatigue.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it in a high-level job interview. It is a bit too colorful for very formal settings. Avoid using it if someone is actually sick. It refers to 'effort' exhaustion, not medical illness. Also, don't confuse it with actually sticking your tongue out at someone. That is tirer la langue à quelqu'un.
Cultural Background
French culture has a long history of colorful idioms for money. This one dates back centuries. It evokes the image of a thirsty dog or a tired laborer. It reflects a very French way of complaining with style. It turns a difficult situation into a relatable, visual metaphor. It is a staple of everyday 'râler' (complaining) culture.
Common Variations
You might hear être sur les rotules for physical exhaustion. For money, people might say être dans le rouge. However, tirer la langue is unique because it covers both. It is the 'all-in-one' phrase for being overextended. It remains one of the most common idioms in modern France.
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is informal but not vulgar. It is best used in casual conversations with people you know well, or when you want to add a bit of dramatic flair to your complaints.
Use it for the 'End of the Month'
In France, 'la fin du mois' is a very common topic. Using 'tirer la langue' in this specific context makes you sound very native.
Watch the Preposition
Don't say 'tirer la langue À l'argent'. Just say 'tirer la langue' or 'tirer la langue financièrement'.
The Rude Gesture
Remember that if you do the physical action while saying it, you are being rude to someone. Keep your tongue in your mouth when using the idiom figuratively!
مثالها
6En ce moment, avec le loyer, je tire vraiment la langue.
Right now, with the rent, I'm really struggling to make ends meet.
Focuses on the financial aspect of the phrase.
Après dix kilomètres de montée, tout le groupe tirait la langue.
After a ten-kilometer climb, the whole group was exhausted.
Focuses on physical exertion.
L'équipe tire la langue sur ce projet, on a besoin de renfort.
The team is struggling with this project; we need backup.
Professional but honest about the workload.
Trop de soirées cette semaine, je tire la langue !
Too many parties this week, I'm wiped out!
Short, punchy use for social fatigue.
Mon compte en banque tire la langue depuis les soldes.
My bank account has been gasping for air since the sales.
Personifies the bank account for comedic effect.
Je n'en peux plus, je tire la langue sur tous les fronts.
I can't take it anymore; I'm struggling on all fronts.
Expresses deep overwhelm.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Depuis que j'ai perdu mon emploi, je ___ la langue à la fin du mois.
The idiom is 'tirer la langue'. In the present tense for 'je', it is 'tire'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'tirer la langue'?
Context: Marc is talking about his marathon training.
In a physical context, 'tirer la langue' means to be exhausted/out of breath.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: Tu veux venir au ski avec nous ce week-end ? B: J'aimerais bien, mais en ce moment...
This correctly uses the idiom to explain a lack of money for a trip.
Match the meaning to the sentence.
1. L'enfant tire la langue. 2. L'économie tire la langue.
Sentence 1 is literal (child), sentence 2 is figurative (economy).
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Intensity of Struggle
بانک تمرین
4 تمرینهاDepuis que j'ai perdu mon emploi, je ___ la langue à la fin du mois.
The idiom is 'tirer la langue'. In the present tense for 'je', it is 'tire'.
Context: Marc is talking about his marathon training.
In a physical context, 'tirer la langue' means to be exhausted/out of breath.
A: Tu veux venir au ski avec nous ce week-end ? B: J'aimerais bien, mais en ce moment...
This correctly uses the idiom to explain a lack of money for a trip.
1. L'enfant tire la langue. 2. L'économie tire la langue.
Sentence 1 is literal (child), sentence 2 is figurative (economy).
🎉 امتیاز: /4
سوالات متداول
14 سوالThe literal gesture is rude (like sticking your tongue out at someone), but the idiom for being tired or broke is not rude at all; it's just informal.
Yes, it is very common to say 'L'entreprise tire la langue' to mean it's having financial trouble.
'Être fauché' means you have NO money. 'Tirer la langue' means you are struggling but still managing to get by, though with difficulty.
No, that sounds like you are physically grabbing your tongue with your hand. Always use 'la'.
Generally no. It's too casual. Use 'difficultés financières' instead.
No, it can also mean physical exhaustion, like after a long run.
'Je tire la langue' is the best equivalent for that specific feeling of financial pressure.
Not at all. It is used daily in modern France, especially in the current economic climate.
Yes: 'Le mois dernier, j'ai vraiment tiré la langue.'
Yes, 'être en galère' is a more slangy way to express a similar struggle.
It's generally associated with dogs or horses panting after effort.
Literally yes, but it's rare today. People will assume you mean you are tired or broke.
Yes, it's widely understood across the Francophonie.
Associate the 'tongue' with a 'thirsty' wallet.
عبارات مرتبط
être à sec
synonymTo be completely out of money.
joindre les deux bouts
similarTo make ends meet.
être sur les rotules
similarTo be exhausted.
donner sa langue au chat
contrastTo give up on a riddle.
avoir la langue bien pendue
specialized formTo be talkative.
