Meaning
To have influence, power, or control over someone or something.
Cultural Background
In French political culture, 'avoir prise' is a litmus test for executive power. A president who 'n'a plus de prise' is often called a 'canard boiteux' (lame duck). In Quebec, you might hear 'avoir de la pogne' (to have a grip/fist) as a more colorful, informal equivalent to 'avoir prise'. In formal diplomatic contexts in countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'avoir prise' is used to describe the influence of international treaties on local law. In Swiss French, the term is frequently used in administrative and legal contexts to discuss the jurisdiction of cantonal vs. federal laws.
Use it in the negative
Native speakers use 'n'avoir aucune prise sur' much more often than the positive version to express frustration or philosophical limits.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'sur'. Never use 'en' or 'avec' after 'prise'.
Meaning
To have influence, power, or control over someone or something.
Use it in the negative
Native speakers use 'n'avoir aucune prise sur' much more often than the positive version to express frustration or philosophical limits.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'sur'. Never use 'en' or 'avec' after 'prise'.
The 'Lâcher Prise' Trend
In France, 'lâcher prise' is a huge buzzword in wellness and yoga circles. Knowing 'avoir prise' helps you understand the full spectrum of control.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte (attention à l'article).
Le gouvernement n'a plus aucune _______ sur l'opinion publique.
In the figurative sense, we use 'avoir prise' without an article.
Quelle phrase est correcte ?
Choisissez la phrase qui utilise correctement l'expression.
This correctly uses the figurative sense with the preposition 'sur'.
Associez la situation à l'usage de 'prise'.
Un alpiniste cherche un endroit où mettre sa main.
In climbing, 'une prise' is a physical hold.
Complétez le dialogue.
A: 'Tu penses qu'on peut encore changer les choses ?' B: 'Honnêtement, je crains que nous n'ayons plus _______ sur le cours des événements.'
'Aucune prise' emphasizes the total lack of control, which fits the pessimistic tone.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Avoir Prise vs. Donner Prise
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe gouvernement n'a plus aucune _______ sur l'opinion publique.
In the figurative sense, we use 'avoir prise' without an article.
Choisissez la phrase qui utilise correctement l'expression.
This correctly uses the figurative sense with the preposition 'sur'.
Un alpiniste cherche un endroit où mettre sa main.
In climbing, 'une prise' is a physical hold.
A: 'Tu penses qu'on peut encore changer les choses ?' B: 'Honnêtement, je crains que nous n'ayons plus _______ sur le cours des événements.'
'Aucune prise' emphasizes the total lack of control, which fits the pessimistic tone.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's usually used for tires on a road or a climber on a wall. For a cup or a pen, just use 'tenir'.
It's a fixed idiomatic expression. In French, many abstract 'avoir' expressions drop the article (e.g., avoir faim, avoir peur).
Yes, it's quite elegant. You'll sound very educated if you use it correctly in a meeting or an essay.
'Influence' is general. 'Prise' implies a more solid, structural, or psychological hold—like you have found the 'handle' to move the situation.
Only in the physical sense, like 'Il a trouvé une prise pour grimper'. In the figurative sense, keep it article-free.
Yes, though they might prefer 'avoir de la pogne' in very casual speech.
Use 'perdre prise'. Example: 'Il a perdu prise sur la réalité.'
Yes, to describe psychological influence. 'Il a une grande prise sur ses enfants.'
Very much so, especially regarding market control or management.
The most direct opposite is 'n'avoir aucune prise' or 'lâcher prise' (to intentionally let go).
Related Phrases
lâcher prise
contrastTo let go / to stop trying to control.
donner prise à
similarTo expose oneself to (criticism/attack).
perdre prise
builds onTo lose one's grip.
avoir de l'ascendant sur
synonymTo have moral or psychological authority over someone.
