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A2 verb 13분 분량

déboutonner

To unfasten buttons on clothes; to unbutton.

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'déboutonner' means 'to unbutton.' It is a useful word for basic needs, such as describing what you are doing while getting dressed or visiting a doctor. You should recognize it as a regular '-er' verb, which means it follows the same conjugation rules as 'parler' or 'manger.' At this stage, focus on the present tense: 'Je déboutonne mon manteau.' You might also learn it in the context of learning body parts and clothing. It is a 'concrete' verb, meaning it describes a physical action you can see. Think of it as the opposite of 'boutonner' (to button). Even at A1, being able to say 'Je ne peux pas déboutonner ça' (I can't unbutton this) is a very practical skill for shopping or daily life. Don't worry about figurative meanings yet; just focus on the physical act of moving a button out of a hole. The word 'bouton' (button) is the key root here, which is very similar to English, making it easy to memorize.
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At the A2 level, you should be comfortable using 'déboutonner' in various tenses, especially the 'passé composé' to describe past actions. 'J'ai déboutonné ma veste parce qu'il faisait chaud.' You should also start using the imperative form to give or follow instructions, such as 'Déboutonnez votre chemise' in a medical or fitting room context. At this level, you begin to distinguish between different ways of opening clothes—using 'déboutonner' for buttons and 'ouvrir' or 'dézipper' for other closures. You should also be aware of the reflexive form 'se déboutonner' for unbuttoning one's own clothes. You might encounter this word in simple stories or dialogues about daily routines. Understanding the prefix 'dé-' as a way to reverse an action is a key A2 concept that 'déboutonner' perfectly illustrates. You are expected to use it correctly with direct objects, and perhaps use the past participle 'déboutonné' as a simple adjective to describe a state: 'Sa chemise est déboutonnée.'
By B1, you should be able to use 'déboutonner' with more nuance and in more complex sentence structures. This includes using it in the 'imparfait' for descriptions and the 'plus-que-parfait' for related past actions. You should also be comfortable with the agreement of the past participle when the direct object comes before the verb: 'La chemise qu'il a déboutonnée était en soie.' At this level, you might start to encounter the figurative use of 'se déboutonner' (to speak one's mind or open up) in informal conversations or contemporary literature. You should be able to compare 'déboutonner' with more specific synonyms like 'dégrafer' or 'desserrer' depending on the garment. Your vocabulary is becoming more precise, allowing you to describe a person's appearance in detail. You might also use the verb in the conditional to express politeness or hypothetical situations: 'Pourriez-vous m'aider à déboutonner ces manches ?' B1 learners should also recognize the word in more formal written contexts, such as fashion articles or detailed character descriptions in novels.
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At the B2 level, 'déboutonner' is a word you use effortlessly. you understand its place in the broader system of French morphology (prefixes and suffixes). You can use it in complex arguments or descriptions, perhaps discussing the social implications of a 'déboutonné' look in different professional settings. You are fully aware of the figurative 'se déboutonner' and can use it appropriately in informal contexts to mean 'to let it all out' or 'to speak bluntly.' You also understand the passive voice use: 'Ces boutons sont difficiles à déboutonner.' Your mastery of grammar means you never fail the past participle agreement, even in tricky relative clauses. You might use the verb in the subjunctive mood after expressions of necessity or emotion: 'Il est nécessaire que vous déboutonniez votre col.' At B2, you also appreciate the stylistic value of the word, using it to add specific detail to creative writing or oral presentations. You can distinguish between 'déboutonner' and 'débrailler' (to be sloppily dressed) and use them to paint a vivid picture of a character.
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For C1 learners, 'déboutonner' is part of a rich, flexible vocabulary. You can use it to analyze literary texts where the act of unbuttoning might be a symbolic gesture of intimacy, vulnerability, or rebellion. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in the context of French 'art de vivre' and fashion history. In advanced discussions, you might use 'déboutonner' as a metaphor for deconstructing a complex idea, though this is creative usage. You are sensitive to the rhythm and 'registre' of the word, knowing when a more formal alternative like 'se dévêtir' is required versus the everyday 'déboutonner.' You can handle the verb in all literary tenses, including the 'passé simple,' which you might encounter in classic French literature. Your use of the reflexive 'se déboutonner' to mean 'to speak frankly' is perfectly timed and idiomatic. You might even explore the word's etymology and its relationship to other 'bouton-' words in technical or biological fields, even if the verb itself remains clothing-specific.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'déboutonner' is native-like. You use it with total precision, aware of every subtle connotation and stylistic possibility. You can play with the word in puns or sophisticated metaphors. You might use it in a high-level fashion critique to describe the 'architecture' of a garment. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word in historical texts. In spontaneous speech, you use it without a second thought, including its reflexive and figurative forms, with perfect prosody and accent. You can explain the nuances of this verb to lower-level learners, highlighting why 'déboutonner' is the only correct choice in certain contexts. For a C2 speaker, 'déboutonner' is not just a verb; it's a small but essential thread in the vast tapestry of the French language, used to convey physical action, social state, and emotional release with equal ease and accuracy. You might even use it in a philosophical context to discuss the 'unbuttoning' of social norms or traditional structures in a satirical or analytical essay.
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예시

The French verb déboutonner is a primary action verb that every learner should master early in their journey. At its core, it refers to the physical act of unfastening buttons on a piece of clothing. Whether you are taking off a heavy winter coat, loosening a tight shirt collar after a long day at the office, or helping a child get dressed, this verb is your go-to term. The word is built logically: the prefix dé- (meaning 'undo' or 'remove') is attached to boutonner (to button), which itself comes from the noun bouton (button). This morphological transparency makes it exceptionally easy for English speakers to remember.

Literal Use
The most frequent use is in the context of daily dressing routines. You 'déboutonne' a shirt (une chemise), a cardigan (un gilet), or trousers (un pantalon).

Il commence à faire chaud, je vais déboutonner ma veste.

Beyond the literal, the verb can occasionally be used in medical contexts. When visiting a doctor for a chest examination, the first instruction you might hear is to unbutton your garment. This makes the word essential for practical, real-world survival in a French-speaking country. Interestingly, while English uses 'unbutton' figuratively to mean 'relaxing' or 'opening up,' the French equivalent for emotional openness is usually 'se livrer' or 's'ouvrir.' However, 'se déboutonner' can colloquially mean to speak one's mind very freely or bluntly, though this is a more advanced, nuanced usage. In the world of French fashion, which prides itself on detail, knowing the difference between 'déboutonner' and 'dézipper' (to unzip) is crucial for precision.

Social Etiquette
In French culture, the act of unbuttoning can signal a transition from a formal 'tenue' (outfit) to a 'décontracté' (relaxed) state. Unbuttoning the top button of a shirt is a common gesture when moving from a meeting to a casual lunch.

Historically, buttons were luxury items in France, and the act of 'déboutonner' was often performed by valets or maids for the aristocracy. Today, while the act is mundane, the verb retains its specific utility. It is also worth noting that the word 'bouton' can also mean a 'pimple' or a 'button' on a machine, but you would never 'déboutonner' a pimple or a computer button; the verb is strictly reserved for the mechanical fastening of clothing. If you use it for a computer, French speakers will be very confused! Stick to clothes, and you will be perfectly understood in any 'boutique' or 'cabinet médical'.

Reflexive Form
When used reflexively, 'se déboutonner' describes the garment itself coming undone or the person unbuttoning their own clothes. 'Ma chemise se déboutonne tout le temps' (My shirt keeps unbuttoning itself).

L'enfant a appris à se déboutonner seul après l'école.

In summary, 'déboutonner' is a functional, everyday verb that highlights the logic of French word formation. It bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and practical life skills, ensuring you can describe personal care, fashion, and medical interactions with ease and accuracy. It is a foundational piece of the A2 level vocabulary set.

Using déboutonner correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object—the thing being unbuttoned. In the present tense, it follows the standard pattern: 'Je déboutonne', 'Tu déboutonnes', 'Il déboutonne', and so on. Because it is a physical action, it is often paired with clothing nouns. For example, 'Elle déboutonne son manteau en entrant dans la maison' (She unbuttons her coat while entering the house). Here, the action is immediate and purposeful.

The Passé Composé
In the past tense, it uses 'avoir' as the auxiliary. 'J'ai déboutonné mon gilet.' The past participle remains 'déboutonné' regardless of the subject, unless the direct object precedes the verb, following standard agreement rules.

Pourquoi as-tu déboutonné ta chemise avant la fin de la réunion ?

When you want to express that a garment is currently unbuttoned, you use the past participle as an adjective: 'Sa chemise est déboutonnée.' Note that as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. 'Ses vestes sont déboutonnées' (feminine plural). This is a common way to describe someone's appearance, perhaps implying they look disheveled or relaxed. 'Tu as la braguette déboutonnée' is a classic (if slightly embarrassing) phrase to tell someone their fly is unbuttoned—though usually, 'ouverte' is used for zippers.

Imperative Mood
Giving commands with this verb is common in specific settings. 'Déboutonnez votre col' (Unbutton your collar). In the 'tu' form, the 's' is dropped: 'Déboutonne ton pull'.

Déboutonnez-vous un peu, vous avez l'air trop coincé !

The reflexive form 'se déboutonner' is also vital. It can mean to unbutton one's own clothes ('Je me déboutonne') or to describe an accidental occurrence ('Mon bouton s'est déboutonné'). This 'accidental' reflexive is very common in French to avoid taking personal blame for a wardrobe malfunction. Instead of saying 'I unbuttoned my shirt by mistake,' a French speaker might say 'Ma chemise s'est déboutonnée toute seule.' This construction places the action on the object itself, a typical French linguistic strategy.

Finally, consider the future tense for planning. 'Je déboutonnerai mon manteau quand nous serons à l'intérieur.' The pronunciation remains smooth, with the 'e' in the middle often becoming very short or silent in rapid speech (dé-bou-ton-ray). Mastering these variations allows you to move from simply knowing the word to using it naturally in a wide array of situational contexts, from the mundane to the specific.

Negative Sentences
'Ne déboutonnez pas votre veste avant le signal.' Using 'ne... pas' around the conjugated verb follows standard rules.

Elle n'a pas voulu déboutonner son manteau malgré la chaleur.

If you spend time in France, you will encounter déboutonner in several specific environments. The most common is likely a clothing store ('une boutique de vêtements'). While trying on clothes, a salesperson might ask if you need help or suggest that a certain garment looks better when unbuttoned. 'Cette veste se porte mieux déboutonnée,' they might say, offering stylistic advice. You'll also hear it in the 'cabine d'essayage' (fitting room) when discussing how a piece fits around the chest or waist.

At the Doctor's
The medical context is perhaps the most critical for a traveler. A doctor (un médecin) will frequently use the imperative form: 'Déboutonnez votre chemise, s'il vous plaît, pour que je puisse écouter votre cœur.' Knowing this word prevents confusion during a potentially stressful situation.

Le docteur m'a demandé de déboutonner le haut de ma chemise.

Another place is within the family home. Parents often use it with young children who are learning the fine motor skills required to dress themselves. 'N'oublie pas de déboutonner tes poignets avant d'enlever ta chemise' (Don't forget to unbutton your cuffs before taking off your shirt). This highlights the verb's role in the 'vie quotidienne' (daily life). You might also hear it in the context of laundry or dry cleaning, where instructions are given about how to treat specific garments.

In Cinema and Literature
French films often use the act of unbuttoning to convey a mood change. A character returning home from a stressful day at the 'bureau' will often be shown 'se déboutonnant' as a visual shorthand for relaxation. It is a subtle but powerful cinematic trope.

Dans le film, il déboutonne nerveusement ses manches.

In the world of French 'haute couture,' designers and stylists use the term when discussing the 'tombé' (the way a garment hangs). A garment might be designed to be 'déboutonné' to show a contrasting lining or a specific layer underneath. This adds a layer of sophistication to the word, moving it from a simple chore to a stylistic choice. You might hear it in fashion podcasts or read it in magazines like *Vogue France*.

Finally, in informal settings among friends, you might hear the figurative 'se déboutonner' when someone is finally speaking their truth after holding back. 'Il s'est enfin déboutonné sur ce qu'il ressentait.' This is less frequent but very 'authentique' when you do hear it. It suggests a release of pressure, much like a tight shirt being opened. Whether in a 'cabinet médical', a 'boutique de luxe', or a 'salon' with friends, 'déboutonner' is a word that weaves through the fabric of French life.

Common Audio Cues
Listen for the 'ou' sound followed by the rhythmic 'ton-ner'. It has a percussive quality that mimics the clicking of buttons.

On entendait le bruit des boutons qu'elle déboutonnait un à un.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with déboutonner is using it too broadly for any type of opening. In English, we might say 'unbutton' loosely, but in French, precision is key. You cannot 'déboutonner' a zipper; for that, you must use 'dézipper' or 'ouvrir la fermeture éclair.' Similarly, for hooks and eyes (often found on dresses or bras), the correct verb is 'dégrafer.' Using 'déboutonner' for these will make you sound like you don't know how clothes work!

Confusion with 'Ouvrir'
While 'ouvrir' (to open) is a safe general-purpose verb, using 'déboutonner' shows a higher level of fluency. However, don't over-correct. If a coat has no buttons, don't use 'déboutonner'.

Faux Pas: Je vais déboutonner mon sac à dos. (Correct: Je vais ouvrir mon sac.)

Another mistake involves the reflexive form. Learners often forget that 'se déboutonner' can mean 'to unbutton one's own clothes,' but they might accidentally use it when they mean 'to get undressed' (se déshabiller). 'Déboutonner' is just one step in the process of 'se déshabiller.' If you say 'Je vais me déboutonner' in a locker room, people might expect you to just loosen a few buttons, not take off your entire outfit. Context is everything.

Spelling and Conjugation
Watch out for the double 'n'. Some learners write 'déboutoner' with one 'n'. It follows the spelling of 'bouton', which has one 'n', but the verb 'boutonner' and its derivative 'déboutonner' take two. This is a classic spelling bee trap in French.

Erreur: Elle déboutone (Incorrect). Elle déboutonne (Correct).

A subtle mistake is using 'déboutonner' for non-clothing buttons. As mentioned before, if you are turning off a machine or pressing a button on a remote, you use 'appuyer sur le bouton' or 'éteindre.' Using 'déboutonner' in a technical context is a literal translation of 'un-buttoning' that simply doesn't exist in French. Lastly, be careful with the past participle agreement. While 'J'ai déboutonné ma veste' is correct, if you say 'La veste que j'ai déboutonnée,' you must add an 'e' because the feminine object 'veste' comes before the verb. This is a B1/B2 level mistake, but it's good to be aware of it early.

Finally, avoid using 'déboutonner' to mean 'to solve a problem' or 'to figure out' (unbuttoning a mystery). English occasionally uses 'unbuttoned' to mean 'loose' or 'unstructured' in a metaphorical sense, but French almost always keeps this verb tethered to its physical, textile origins. For abstract 'opening,' stick to 'élucider' or 'résoudre.' Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a translation dictionary.

Direct Object Missing
In French, you usually need to specify what you are unbuttoning. Saying just 'Je déboutonne' sounds incomplete unless the context is incredibly obvious.

Mieux: Je déboutonne mon col car il m'étouffe.

To truly master French, you need to know the 'voisins' (neighbors) of déboutonner. The most obvious is its antonym, boutonner. Just as you unbutton to get comfortable, you 'boutonnez' to look sharp or stay warm. Another close relative is dégrafer. While 'déboutonner' deals with buttons, 'dégrafer' deals with hooks (agrafes). You'll see this often in technical descriptions of clothing or in more formal wear like corsets or certain types of bras.

Déboutonner vs. Ouvrir
'Ouvrir' is the generalist. You can 'ouvrir' a shirt, a door, or a book. 'Déboutonner' is the specialist. Use 'déboutonner' when you want to be precise about the mechanism involved.

Il a ouvert son blouson (General). Il a déboutonné son gilet (Specific).

For zippers, as mentioned, the verb is dézipper (very common, borrowed from English) or the more formal ouvrir la fermeture à glissière. If you are loosening something that isn't necessarily buttoned, like a tie or a belt, the verb is desserrer. 'Je desserre ma cravate' (I am loosening my tie). This is a great word to know alongside 'déboutonner' for describing the act of getting comfortable.

Défaire
'Défaire' means 'to undo.' It's very versatile. You can 'défaire ses lacets' (undo shoelaces) or 'défaire un nœud' (undo a knot). It can be used as a synonym for 'déboutonner' in a pinch, but it's less specific.

Aidez-moi à défaire ces boutons, ils sont trop petits !

In a more literary or old-fashioned context, you might see débrailler. This verb means to dress sloppily or to have one's clothes half-unbuttoned and messy. A person who is 'débraillé' might have 'déboutonné' their shirt in a way that looks untidy. This adds a descriptive layer to your vocabulary. On the opposite end, ajuster means to adjust or tidy up your clothes, which often involves 'boutonner' things correctly.

Finally, consider se dévêtir, a more formal way to say 'to undress' (se déshabiller). While 'déboutonner' is a specific action, 'se dévêtir' is the entire process. By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that fits the register and the specific physical action you are describing. Whether you are 'déboutonnant' a cuff, 'desserrant' a belt, or 'dégrafant' a dress, you now have the tools to describe the full range of 'opening' actions in French.

Register Check
'Déboutonner' is neutral and can be used in any setting. 'Se déboutonner' (to speak frankly) is informal/slangy.

Il s'est déboutonné devant ses collègues après le départ du patron.

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1

Je déboutonne mon manteau.

I am unbuttoning my coat.

Present tense, first person singular.

2

Tu déboutonnes ta chemise.

You are unbuttoning your shirt.

Present tense, second person singular.

3

Il déboutonne son gilet.

He is unbuttoning his cardigan.

Present tense, third person singular.

4

Elle ne déboutonne pas sa veste.

She is not unbuttoning her jacket.

Negative construction using 'ne... pas'.

5

Nous déboutonnons nos vestes.

We are unbuttoning our jackets.

Present tense, first person plural.

6

Vous déboutonnez le col ?

Are you unbuttoning the collar?

Interrogative sentence using intonation.

7

Ils déboutonnent leurs manches.

They are unbuttoning their sleeves.

Present tense, third person plural.

8

Déboutonne ton pull !

Unbutton your sweater!

Imperative form, informal 'tu'.

1

J'ai déboutonné mon blouson car j'avais chaud.

I unbuttoned my jacket because I was hot.

Passé composé with auxiliary 'avoir'.

2

Est-ce que tu peux déboutonner ce bouton ?

Can you unbutton this button?

Use of 'pouvoir' + infinitive.

3

Elle a déboutonné sa robe pour mieux respirer.

She unbuttoned her dress to breathe better.

Passé composé with a purpose clause.

4

Le médecin m'a dit : 'Déboutonnez votre chemise'.

The doctor told me: 'Unbutton your shirt'.

Imperative used in a direct quote.

5

Nous avons déboutonné nos manteaux dans le train.

We unbuttoned our coats in the train.

Passé composé, plural subject.

6

Il va déboutonner son col après le travail.

He is going to unbutton his collar after work.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

7

Ma chemise s'est déboutonnée toute seule.

My shirt unbuttoned itself.

Reflexive form in the passé composé.

8

Ne déboutonnez pas encore vos vestes.

Don't unbutton your jackets yet.

Negative imperative, formal 'vous'.

1

Si j'avais su, j'aurais déboutonné ma veste plus tôt.

If I had known, I would have unbuttoned my jacket earlier.

Conditionnel passé with a 'si' clause.

2

Elle déboutonnait toujours son gilet en arrivant.

She always used to unbutton her cardigan upon arriving.

Imparfait for habitual action.

3

Il est important que tu déboutonnes tes manches avant de les laver.

It is important that you unbutton your sleeves before washing them.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est important que'.

4

La chemise qu'elle a déboutonnée était très fragile.

The shirt she unbuttoned was very fragile.

Past participle agreement with preceding direct object.

5

En se déboutonnant, il a perdu un bouton.

While unbuttoning himself, he lost a button.

Gérondif (en + present participle).

6

Il s'est enfin déboutonné sur ses problèmes personnels.

He finally opened up about his personal problems.

Figurative use of the reflexive form.

7

Je ne pensais pas qu'il déboutonnerait sa veste en public.

I didn't think he would unbutton his jacket in public.

Conditionnel présent as future-in-the-past.

8

Après avoir déboutonné son col, il s'est senti mieux.

After unbuttoning his collar, he felt better.

Infinitif passé (après + avoir + past participle).

1

Bien qu'il fasse froid, il s'obstine à déboutonner son manteau.

Even though it's cold, he insists on unbuttoning his coat.

Concession clause with 'bien que' + subjunctive.

2

Elle a remarqué qu'il avait déboutonné ses poignets nerveusement.

She noticed that he had unbuttoned his cuffs nervously.

Plus-que-parfait for an action before another past action.

3

On ne devrait jamais déboutonner sa veste lors d'un entretien.

One should never unbutton one's jacket during an interview.

Passive/General 'on' with conditional 'devrait'.

4

C'est en déboutonnant son gilet qu'il a trouvé la lettre cachée.

It was while unbuttoning his cardigan that he found the hidden letter.

Emphatic 'c'est... que' structure with gérondif.

5

Il est rare qu'un gentleman déboutonne son col en soirée.

It is rare for a gentleman to unbutton his collar in the evening.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est rare que'.

6

Elle s'est déboutonnée avec une franchise déconcertante.

She spoke with disconcerting frankness.

Figurative reflexive use with an adverbial phrase.

7

Les boutons étant trop serrés, il était difficile de les déboutonner.

The buttons being too tight, it was difficult to unbutton them.

Present participle as a causal clause.

8

Quoi que tu déboutonnes, fais-le avec élégance.

Whatever you unbutton, do it with elegance.

Subjunctive after 'quoi que'.

1

L'acte de déboutonner sa veste symbolisait chez lui une rupture avec les conventions.

The act of unbuttoning his jacket symbolized a break with conventions for him.

Gerundial use of the infinitive as a subject.

2

À peine eut-il déboutonné son col qu'il s'effondra sur le canapé.

Hardly had he unbuttoned his collar when he collapsed onto the sofa.

Passé antérieur with inversion for literary effect.

3

Elle craignait qu'en se déboutonnant ainsi, il ne perdît toute crédibilité.

She feared that by unbuttoning himself like that, he might lose all credibility.

Imparfait du subjonctif (literary).

4

Il s'était déboutonné, laissant entrevoir une vérité qu'il avait longtemps tue.

He had opened up, revealing a truth he had long kept silent.

Figurative use with a present participle clause.

5

Nul ne saurait déboutonner ce mystère sans une analyse approfondie.

No one could unbutton this mystery without an in-depth analysis.

Creative/Metaphorical use of the verb.

6

Le vêtement, une fois déboutonné, révélait une doublure de soie pourpre.

The garment, once unbuttoned, revealed a purple silk lining.

Appositive use of the past participle.

7

Il importait qu'il se déboutonnât pour paraître plus humain aux yeux du peuple.

It was important that he unbutton himself to appear more human to the people.

Reflexive in the imparfait du subjonctif.

8

Le vent s'engouffrait dans sa chemise mal déboutonnée.

The wind rushed into his poorly unbuttoned shirt.

Past participle used as an adjective with an adverb.

1

Dans cette joute verbale, il finit par se déboutonner et livrer son secret.

In this verbal joust, he ended up unbuttoning (opening up) and giving away his secret.

Idiomatic use in a complex narrative context.

2

L'élégance réside parfois dans l'art de savoir quand déboutonner.

Elegance sometimes lies in the art of knowing when to unbutton.

Infinitive clause as a complement of a noun.

3

Dussiez-vous déboutonner votre âme, vous ne le convaincriez point.

Even should you unbutton your soul, you would not convince him.

Inversion with the subjonctif for a hypothetical 'even if'.

4

L'aspect déboutonné de sa mise jurait avec la solennité du lieu.

The unbuttoned appearance of his outfit clashed with the solemnity of the place.

Substantive use of the adjective 'déboutonné'.

5

Il se déboutonna avec une verve qui surprit même ses plus farouches détracteurs.

He spoke out with a verve that surprised even his fiercest detractors.

Reflexive figurative use with high-level vocabulary.

6

On eût dit qu'il craignait de déboutonner la boîte de Pandore.

One would have said he feared unbuttoning (opening) Pandora's box.

Conditionnel passé second forme (literary).

7

Sa propension à se déboutonner en public lui joua bien des tours.

His propensity to speak too frankly in public played many tricks on him.

Noun phrase followed by an infinitive phrase.

8

Déboutonner la structure même du récit permet d'en saisir les failles.

Unbuttoning (deconstructing) the very structure of the narrative allows one to grasp its flaws.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

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