Signification
To force someone to act, make a decision, or face the consequences of their actions.
Contexte culturel
In French politics, 'mettre au pied du mur' is a favorite phrase of journalists during interviews to force politicians to stop using 'langue de bois' (evasive political speech). The phrase is used identically in Quebec, often in the context of labor negotiations between unions ('syndicats') and the government. In the complex world of Belgian coalition politics, this phrase describes the moment one party forces another to agree to a compromise. While the idiom is understood, local expressions involving 'le palabre' (long discussion) might be used alongside it to describe the process of reaching a final decision.
Use with 'Enfin'
Adding 'enfin' (finally) before the phrase emphasizes that you have been patient for a long time before taking this drastic step.
Don't over-conjugate
In casual speech, people often use the present tense 'Je le mets au pied du mur' even if they are currently in the process of doing it.
Signification
To force someone to act, make a decision, or face the consequences of their actions.
Use with 'Enfin'
Adding 'enfin' (finally) before the phrase emphasizes that you have been patient for a long time before taking this drastic step.
Don't over-conjugate
In casual speech, people often use the present tense 'Je le mets au pied du mur' even if they are currently in the process of doing it.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the expression.
Après des mois d'hésitation, j'ai décidé de ______ mon frère au pied du mur.
The infinitive 'mettre' is required after the verb 'décidé de'.
Which sentence correctly uses the passive form?
Select the correct option:
The passive voice in the past requires 'a été mis'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
A company is refusing to pay a freelancer for three months.
The freelancer is the one exerting pressure to get a result.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAprès des mois d'hésitation, j'ai décidé de ______ mon frère au pied du mur.
The infinitive 'mettre' is required after the verb 'décidé de'.
Select the correct option:
The passive voice in the past requires 'a été mis'.
A company is refusing to pay a freelancer for three months.
The freelancer is the one exerting pressure to get a result.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is assertive and confrontational, but not necessarily rude. It depends on the context. In business, it's a standard tactic.
Yes, but you would use the passive: 'Je suis au pied du mur' (I am backed into a corner).
'Mettre au pied du mur' is more idiomatic and visual. An ultimatum is the formal tool used to put someone at the foot of the wall.
Absolutely. 'Mettre les politiciens au pied du mur' is a very common headline.
Usually, yes. It's about forcing an action or a decision between two or more options.
Yes, it is a universal French idiom understood from Paris to Dakar to Montreal.
Yes, often to describe forcing a partner to commit or to tell the truth about an affair.
It is equally common in both, though it appears frequently in newspaper editorials.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'laisser le champ libre' (to leave the field open) implies giving someone total freedom.
No, the idiom is always singular: 'au pied du mur'.
Expressions liées
Avoir le dos au mur
similarTo be in a desperate situation with no escape.
Pousser à bout
similarTo push someone to their limit.
Donner un ultimatum
synonymTo give a final demand.
Acculer quelqu'un
synonymTo corner someone.
