Signification
To support each other in difficult times.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a staple of French 'manifestations' (protests). It reflects the value of 'solidarité' which is often seen as more important than individual success. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but often with a strong emphasis on protecting the French language and culture against external influences. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, this phrase aligns with the concept of 'Teranga' or communal living, where supporting the group is a moral duty. Modern French companies use this phrase in internal communications to foster 'esprit de corps' during restructuring or economic downturns.
Use it for teams
It's the perfect phrase for any team-building context or to show you are a team player.
Grammar Trap
Remember: 'serré' never takes an 's' in the past tense for this idiom!
Signification
To support each other in difficult times.
Use it for teams
It's the perfect phrase for any team-building context or to show you are a team player.
Grammar Trap
Remember: 'serré' never takes an 's' in the past tense for this idiom!
The 'On' factor
In casual French, use 'On se serre les coudes' instead of 'Nous nous serrons les coudes' to sound more native.
Solidarity is key
Using this phrase shows you understand the French value of collective action.
Visual aid
If you forget the word 'coudes', just touch your elbow and people will understand what you mean!
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Pendant la tempête, tous les habitants ________ les coudes.
In the past tense, we use 'être' and the past participle 'serré' remains invariable.
Which situation best fits the use of 'se serrer les coudes'?
Choose the best context:
The idiom requires a context of difficulty or shared pressure.
What would the second speaker say to show solidarity?
Speaker A: 'On ne va jamais finir ce projet à temps !' Speaker B: 'Mais si, ________ !'
'Se serrer les coudes' is the correct idiom for mutual support in a project.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Match the following:
It's important to distinguish between these three 'serrer' idioms.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Serrer les coudes vs. S'entraider
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPendant la tempête, tous les habitants ________ les coudes.
In the past tense, we use 'être' and the past participle 'serré' remains invariable.
Choose the best context:
The idiom requires a context of difficulty or shared pressure.
Speaker A: 'On ne va jamais finir ce projet à temps !' Speaker B: 'Mais si, ________ !'
'Se serrer les coudes' is the correct idiom for mutual support in a project.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
It's important to distinguish between these three 'serrer' idioms.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it works for any group of two or more people facing a challenge together.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'S'entraider' is general help; 'se serrer les coudes' implies a difficult situation or crisis.
In French, we use definite articles (le, la, les) with body parts when the owner is clear from the reflexive pronoun.
No, it is always plural because it takes at least two elbows to squeeze together!
Very much so. It's a common way to motivate a team during a crisis.
No, it is almost always positive, implying strength and unity.
Yes, if they are facing a problem together (like moving or a family issue).
Forgetting the 'se' or confusing it with 'se serrer la ceinture'.
'On est ensemble' is the closest modern slang equivalent.
Use the imperative: 'Serrons-nous les coudes !'
Yes, it is universally understood across the Francophonie.
Expressions liées
s'entraider
similarTo help each other
faire bloc
synonymTo stand united
faire front commun
similarTo form a united front
être solidaire
builds onTo be in solidarity
donner un coup de main
contrastTo give a hand
