In 15 Seconds
- Describes a situation or relationship that is failing or struggling.
- Comes from the image of a wounded bird's fluttering wing.
- Used for slow declines, not sudden or total breaks.
Meaning
Actually, this phrase doesn't mean taking a day off! It describes something that is failing, struggling, or on its last legs, like a bird trying to fly with a broken wing.
Key Examples
3 of 6Gossiping about a couple
Leur mariage bat de l'aile depuis quelques mois.
Their marriage has been on the rocks for a few months.
Discussing a business project
Ce projet bat de l'aile faute de financement.
This project is struggling due to a lack of funding.
Talking about an old car
Ma vieille voiture commence vraiment à battre de l'aile.
My old car is starting to give up the ghost.
Cultural Background
In French political discourse, 'battre de l'aile' is frequently used by journalists to describe a 'cohabitation' (when the President and Prime Minister are from different parties) that is not working well. In Quebec, while the phrase is understood, you might also hear 'être sur les blocs' or 'avoir de la misère' to describe similar situations of struggle. The phrase appears in 19th-century literature (like Balzac) to describe the declining aristocracy. It carries a sense of 'fading glory'. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, French idioms are often mixed with local metaphors. 'Battre de l'aile' is used in formal education and media to discuss development projects.
Use for 'On the rocks'
This is the most natural way to describe a relationship in trouble without being too dramatic.
Singular only!
Never say 'battre des ailes' for a problem. You will sound like you are talking about a bird's exercise routine.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a situation or relationship that is failing or struggling.
- Comes from the image of a wounded bird's fluttering wing.
- Used for slow declines, not sudden or total breaks.
What It Means
Imagine a bird in the sky. If one wing is injured, it starts battre de l'aile. It struggles to stay airborne. In French, we use this to describe a relationship, a business, or a project that is falling apart. It is not quite dead yet, but it is definitely in trouble. You are saying that the situation is shaky and might crash soon.
How To Use It
You use it just like a regular verb. The subject is usually the thing that is failing. You can say mon couple bat de l'aile if your romance is rocky. Or l'économie bat de l'aile if the markets are crashing. It is a very visual way to describe a decline. It sounds much more poetic than just saying something is 'bad.'
When To Use It
Use this when you notice the first signs of trouble. It is perfect for gossip over coffee about a celebrity couple. It works well in business meetings when a strategy isn't working. You can even use it for your old car that won't start. It implies a struggle for survival. It is a great way to show you understand nuance.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a total, instant failure. If a vase breaks, it doesn't battre de l'aile; it is just broken. This phrase is for a slow, painful decline. Also, avoid using it for physical health unless you are being very metaphorical. It is mostly for systems, relationships, and organizations. Don't use it to mean 'taking a day off'—that would be prendre un jour de congé!
Cultural Background
This expression dates back to the 19th century. It comes from the image of a wounded bird. In French culture, there is a certain romanticism in the 'beautiful struggle.' We love metaphors that involve nature and fragility. It reflects a French tendency to observe the process of decline rather than just the end result. It is a very common sight in French newspapers and literature.
Common Variations
You might hear ne battre que d'une aile. This means the situation is even worse—it's only flying with one wing! Sometimes people just say ça bat de l'aile as a general comment on a bad situation. It is a versatile phrase that hasn't changed much in a hundred years. It remains a staple of the 'B2' level vocabulary for a reason.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. Be careful not to confuse it with 'battre de l'œil' (to blink/doze off) or 'avoir du plomb dans l'aile' (which is more severe).
Use for 'On the rocks'
This is the most natural way to describe a relationship in trouble without being too dramatic.
Singular only!
Never say 'battre des ailes' for a problem. You will sound like you are talking about a bird's exercise routine.
Journalistic Style
Use this in your B2/C1 writing exams to describe economic or social problems; examiners love this idiom.
Examples
6Leur mariage bat de l'aile depuis quelques mois.
Their marriage has been on the rocks for a few months.
Commonly used to describe romantic trouble.
Ce projet bat de l'aile faute de financement.
This project is struggling due to a lack of funding.
Professional context showing a decline.
Ma vieille voiture commence vraiment à battre de l'aile.
My old car is starting to give up the ghost.
A humorous, metaphorical way to talk about machinery.
Ma motivation bat de l'aile en ce moment.
My motivation is flagging right now.
Using the phrase to describe internal feelings.
Le secteur industriel bat de l'aile dans cette région.
The industrial sector is struggling in this region.
Standard usage in news or reports.
J'ai l'impression que notre amitié bat de l'aile.
I feel like our friendship is falling apart.
Expressing emotional concern.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'battre'.
Leur petite entreprise _______ de l'aile depuis la crise.
L'entreprise est à la troisième personne du singulier (elle), donc on utilise 'bat'.
Quelle phrase utilise l'expression correctement ?
Choisissez l'option correcte :
L'option B utilise le sens figuré correct. L'option A est le sens littéral.
Associez la situation à la conséquence.
Situations et conséquences :
Chaque situation de déclin correspond à l'usage de l'expression.
Complétez le dialogue de manière logique.
A: Comment va le nouveau restaurant de Pierre ? B: Malheureusement, il ________.
C'est la forme idiomatique standard pour dire qu'un business va mal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLeur petite entreprise _______ de l'aile depuis la crise.
L'entreprise est à la troisième personne du singulier (elle), donc on utilise 'bat'.
Choisissez l'option correcte :
L'option B utilise le sens figuré correct. L'option A est le sens littéral.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Chaque situation de déclin correspond à l'usage de l'expression.
A: Comment va le nouveau restaurant de Pierre ? B: Malheureusement, il ________.
C'est la forme idiomatique standard pour dire qu'un business va mal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's rare today. It's better to use 'sa santé décline' or 'il est au plus mal'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
You could say 'avoir le vent en poupe' (to have the wind in one's sails/to be successful).
No, it means it is *in the process* of failing. There is still a small chance of recovery.
Yes, it's a very common way to say your car is old and having many problems.
Yes, it is linked to the 'de' and the 'aile'. It sounds like 'duh-lel'.
Yes: 'Leur projet a battu de l'aile pendant des mois avant de s'arrêter.'
Yes, it is a standard idiom across the Francophonie.
Because the metaphor comes from birds and hunting, not from walking animals.
Absolutely. It's perfect for a team that is losing its momentum.
Related Phrases
Avoir du plomb dans l'aile
similarTo be seriously damaged or compromised.
Être au bout du rouleau
similarTo be at the end of one's rope / exhausted.
Prendre son envol
contrastTo take off / to become successful.
Péricliter
synonymTo decline or decay.
