Meaning
To end a relationship or communication with someone completely.
Cultural Background
In France, privacy and 'le jardin secret' are valued. Cutting ties is often seen as a necessary step for personal peace rather than just being rude. In Quebec, the phrase is used identically, but you might also hear 'virer le capot' in very different contexts, though 'couper les ponts' remains the standard for relationships. The phrase is used in literature and music across the Francophonie to signal a 'clean slate' (faire table rase).
Use with 'avec'
Always remember to add 'avec' if you mention the person. 'Couper les ponts avec Marie.'
It's permanent
This phrase is very strong. Don't use it for a small argument.
Meaning
To end a relationship or communication with someone completely.
Use with 'avec'
Always remember to add 'avec' if you mention the person. 'Couper les ponts avec Marie.'
It's permanent
This phrase is very strong. Don't use it for a small argument.
Social Media Context
In modern French, you can use this to describe 'unfollowing' or 'blocking' someone permanently.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Après leur dispute, Luc a décidé de ______ les ponts avec son frère.
The standard idiom uses the verb 'couper'.
Which situation best describes 'couper les ponts'?
What is Marc doing?
The phrase means ending all communication permanently.
Match the French phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are three different idioms using 'couper'.
Choose the best response.
- Tu parles encore à ton ancien patron ? - Non, ...
This is the natural way to say you no longer communicate with a former boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAprès leur dispute, Luc a décidé de ______ les ponts avec son frère.
The standard idiom uses the verb 'couper'.
What is Marc doing?
The phrase means ending all communication permanently.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are three different idioms using 'couper'.
- Tu parles encore à ton ancien patron ? - Non, ...
This is the natural way to say you no longer communicate with a former boss.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt's not rude, but it is very serious. It describes a harsh reality.
No, it must be plural 'les ponts' to be understood as the idiom.
'Ghoster' is slang and implies disappearing without explanation. 'Couper les ponts' is a more formal/neutral way to describe the end of the relationship.
Yes, it means you left the company and have no contact with former colleagues.
Rarely. It's better for spoken French or informal emails.
Use 'avoir': 'J'ai coupé les ponts.'
Related Phrases
Faire table rase
similarTo start from scratch by ignoring the past.
Tourner la page
builds onTo move on from a situation.
Prendre ses distances
contrastTo distance oneself gradually.
