Meaning
A tactic or action considered acceptable in competition.
Cultural Background
In French politics, 'de bonne guerre' is a staple of post-debate analysis. It reflects the 'Republican tradition' of vigorous but rule-bound debate. In Quebec business culture, which is influenced by both French and North American styles, the phrase is used but often competes with 'C'est le jeu.' Belgian French uses the phrase frequently in the context of its complex coalition politics, where strategic maneuvering is constant. In Francophone West Africa, the phrase is used in intellectual and academic circles to describe rigorous scholarly debate.
Use it to save face
If you lose a debate, saying 'C'est de bonne guerre' makes you look like a gracious and sophisticated loser.
Gender agreement
Always keep 'bonne' feminine, even if the subject is masculine (e.g., 'Le procédé est de bonne guerre').
Meaning
A tactic or action considered acceptable in competition.
Use it to save face
If you lose a debate, saying 'C'est de bonne guerre' makes you look like a gracious and sophisticated loser.
Gender agreement
Always keep 'bonne' feminine, even if the subject is masculine (e.g., 'Le procédé est de bonne guerre').
Political staple
Listen for this phrase in French news (BFMTV, France Inter); it is used almost daily in political analysis.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Il a utilisé mes propres arguments contre moi ; c'est ___ ___ ___.
The fixed phrase is 'de bonne guerre' (feminine, with 'de').
Which situation best fits the phrase 'de bonne guerre'?
Choose the appropriate context:
'De bonne guerre' applies to competitive tactics that are aggressive but legitimate.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'Leur entreprise a recruté notre meilleur vendeur.' B: '___'
This response correctly identifies the competitive move as fair and accepts responsibility.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIl a utilisé mes propres arguments contre moi ; c'est ___ ___ ___.
The fixed phrase is 'de bonne guerre' (feminine, with 'de').
Choose the appropriate context:
'De bonne guerre' applies to competitive tactics that are aggressive but legitimate.
A: 'Leur entreprise a recruté notre meilleur vendeur.' B: '___'
This response correctly identifies the competitive move as fair and accepts responsibility.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it only applies to legal tactics within a competitive framework.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
The closest is 'fair game' or 'fair play.'
It comes from old military codes where even war had rules of honor.
No, that is not a standard expression. Use 'C'est un coup bas' instead.
Related Phrases
C'est le jeu
similarThat's the game / That's how it goes
Un coup bas
contrastA low blow
Fair-play
synonymFair play
Rendre la monnaie de sa pièce
builds onTo pay someone back in their own coin
