15초 만에
- Being at your absolute maximum limit or peak performance.
- Used when you are fully prepared, focused, or working hard.
- Originates from sailing terms meaning a rope is fully tightened.
뜻
Imagine you're running at 110% capacity, totally focused, or ready to go. It means being at your absolute limit, whether that's working hard, being super excited, or being fully prepared.
주요 예문
3 / 6At the office during a busy week
On est au taquet pour finir le projet avant vendredi.
We are going all out to finish the project before Friday.
Getting ready for a night out
Je suis déjà maquillée et habillée, je suis au taquet !
I've already got my makeup and clothes on, I'm ready to go!
Watching a competitive sports match
Les joueurs sont au taquet depuis le début du match.
The players have been giving it their all since the start.
문화적 배경
The expression originates from nautical terminology, where a 'taquet' (cleat) is used to secure a rope at its maximum tension. It gained massive popularity in French office culture during the 90s to describe high-productivity environments. Today, it is a staple of 'Franglish' and corporate lingo, often used to signal that one is 'slaying' their tasks.
The 'Double Taquet'
If you want to sound like a true local, say 'au taquet du taquet'. It's grammatically redundant but emphasizes that you are beyond your normal limit.
Don't use it for 'leaving'
While it implies readiness to leave, it doesn't mean 'to depart' literally. Don't say 'Je taquet'—always use 'être au taquet'.
15초 만에
- Being at your absolute maximum limit or peak performance.
- Used when you are fully prepared, focused, or working hard.
- Originates from sailing terms meaning a rope is fully tightened.
What It Means
Être au taquet is all about reaching the maximum level. Think of a volume knob turned all the way to ten. It describes being at the peak of your energy or speed. You are fully invested in what you are doing. It is the opposite of being lazy or distracted. You are sharp, ready, and moving fast.
How To Use It
You use it like any other state of being. Pair it with the verb être. You can use it for yourself or describe a group. It works perfectly when you are overwhelmed but productive. It also fits when you are impatient for something to start. If you are 'in the zone' at the gym, you are au taquet.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show enthusiasm. It is great for a busy day at the office. Use it when describing a friend who is working too hard. It fits perfectly in sports or competitive gaming. Text it to a friend when you are ready to head out. It shows you are proactive and high-energy.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very formal legal or academic writing. Do not use it to describe a slow, relaxing Sunday. It does not fit when someone is feeling depressed or low energy. If you are at a funeral, stay away from this one. It is too high-energy for a somber or quiet moment. It is definitely not for a slow-paced romantic dinner.
Cultural Background
The word taquet comes from sailing and carpentry. It refers to a 'cleat' or a 'stop' that blocks movement. In sailing, when a rope is pulled to the taquet, it cannot go further. It is at its limit. The French took this technical term and made it emotional. It became popular in the late 20th century. Now, every French professional uses it to sound busy and efficient.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are à fond. This is a very close synonym. Some might say être à bloc, which means being fully loaded. If you are really pushing it, you are au taquet du taquet. This doubles the intensity for comedic effect. Younger people might just say je suis au max.
사용 참고사항
This is a C1 level phrase because it requires understanding nuance in register. It is perfect for sounding like a native in informal or professional-casual settings, but avoid it in academic essays.
The 'Double Taquet'
If you want to sound like a true local, say 'au taquet du taquet'. It's grammatically redundant but emphasizes that you are beyond your normal limit.
Don't use it for 'leaving'
While it implies readiness to leave, it doesn't mean 'to depart' literally. Don't say 'Je taquet'—always use 'être au taquet'.
The Corporate Badge
In French offices, saying you are 'au taquet' is often a humblebrag. It tells people you're important because you're so busy.
예시
6On est au taquet pour finir le projet avant vendredi.
We are going all out to finish the project before Friday.
Shows high productivity and collective effort.
Je suis déjà maquillée et habillée, je suis au taquet !
I've already got my makeup and clothes on, I'm ready to go!
Expresses readiness and excitement.
Les joueurs sont au taquet depuis le début du match.
The players have been giving it their all since the start.
Describes physical intensity and focus.
Demain pour les soldes, je serai au taquet devant le magasin.
Tomorrow for the sales, I'll be poised and ready at the store.
Hyperbolic use for shopping or events.
J'espère que vous êtes au taquet, la réunion commence !
I hope you're all fired up, the meeting is starting!
Used to motivate or check readiness.
Franchement, je suis au taquet, je ne peux pas prendre un dossier de plus.
Honestly, I'm at my limit, I can't take on one more file.
Used to express being overwhelmed.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct verb to complete the expression.
Dépêche-toi, tout le monde ___ au taquet pour partir en vacances !
The expression always uses the verb 'être' (to be) to describe a state.
Identify the correct context for using 'au taquet'.
Je suis ___ parce que j'ai bu trois cafés et je suis prêt à travailler.
'Au taquet' fits the high-energy vibe of having three coffees and being ready to work.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Scale of 'Être au taquet'
Used with close friends or slang.
Je suis au taquet, gros !
The sweet spot for this phrase.
On est au taquet pour ce soir ?
Common in modern offices.
L'équipe est au taquet sur ce dossier.
Rarely used; sounds too colloquial.
Nous sommes au maximum de nos capacités.
Where to use 'Au Taquet'
Gym/Sports
Pushing for a new record.
Office
Crushing a deadline.
Socializing
Ready to party.
Gaming
Full focus on a match.
연습 문제 은행
2 연습 문제Dépêche-toi, tout le monde ___ au taquet pour partir en vacances !
The expression always uses the verb 'être' (to be) to describe a state.
Je suis ___ parce que j'ai bu trois cafés et je suis prêt à travailler.
'Au taquet' fits the high-energy vibe of having three coffees and being ready to work.
🎉 점수: /2
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not usually. It mostly means you are at your limit of energy or speed. However, if you are at your limit of patience, you might say je suis au taquet with an annoyed tone.
Yes, if your workplace is modern or casual. It shows you are motivated and working hard, like saying Je suis au taquet sur ce projet.
Very similar! À fond is slightly more common for speed, while au taquet implies being at a physical or mental limit.
Yes, you can say a car is au taquet if it's going as fast as it possibly can. It means the engine is at its maximum.
No, it's not rude at all. It's just informal. You wouldn't use it in a speech to the President, but it's fine for daily life.
It's a cleat or a wedge. It's the little piece of hardware you wrap a rope around on a boat to keep it tight.
No, that doesn't work. You must use être. You 'are' at the limit, you don't 'go' to it in this specific idiom.
It's very common in France. In Quebec or Belgium, they might use different local slang, but they will certainly understand you.
It can imply you're about to be tired because you're working so hard, but the focus is on the high energy, not the exhaustion.
Absolutely. If you are waiting for a concert, you can say Je suis au taquet pour voir le groupe !
관련 표현
être à fond
être à bloc
donner tout ce qu'on a
être au max
mettre le paquet
