Meaning
Completely, entirely.
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to the 'Grand Ménage de Printemps', a traditional deep-cleaning of the home after winter. In Quebec, the phrase is used identically to France, though you might also hear 'au complet' in more casual settings. Belgian French uses this expression frequently in administrative and political contexts to describe reforms. The 'combles' are a specific architectural feature in France, often referring to the space under a sloped roof.
Use with 'Fouiller'
The verb 'fouiller' (to search/rummage) is the best friend of this phrase. They are used together in almost every detective story.
Not for People
Don't say you know someone 'de fond en comble'. Use 'par cœur' or 'très bien' instead.
Meaning
Completely, entirely.
Use with 'Fouiller'
The verb 'fouiller' (to search/rummage) is the best friend of this phrase. They are used together in almost every detective story.
Not for People
Don't say you know someone 'de fond en comble'. Use 'par cœur' or 'très bien' instead.
Business Context
In a job interview, saying you've researched the company 'de fond en comble' sounds very professional and dedicated.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
J'ai cherché mes lunettes de ____ en ____.
The standard expression is 'de fond en comble'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct usage:
It can be used for thoroughly reviewing a document or subject.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Tu as fini de nettoyer la cuisine ? B: Oui, je l'ai faite ________.
In the context of cleaning, 'de fond en comble' is the most natural way to say 'thoroughly'.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Match: 1. Police search, 2. Restructuring a bank, 3. Spring cleaning.
The phrase is versatile and fits all these 'thorough' scenarios.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJ'ai cherché mes lunettes de ____ en ____.
The standard expression is 'de fond en comble'.
Choose the correct usage:
It can be used for thoroughly reviewing a document or subject.
A: Tu as fini de nettoyer la cuisine ? B: Oui, je l'ai faite ________.
In the context of cleaning, 'de fond en comble' is the most natural way to say 'thoroughly'.
Match: 1. Police search, 2. Restructuring a bank, 3. Spring cleaning.
The phrase is versatile and fits all these 'thorough' scenarios.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, the order is fixed. It always goes from the bottom (fond) to the top (comble).
Not at all. It's very common in casual speech when talking about cleaning or looking for things.
Yes, 'les combles' is the word for the attic space under the roof.
Yes, but 'en détail' or 'd'un bout à l'autre' is more common for reading.
No, it is silent: /fɔ̃/.
The opposite would be 'superficiellement' (superficially) or 'en surface'.
No, that would sound very strange and possibly medical or invasive.
Yes, especially when discussing project reviews or audits.
It means 'that's the limit' or 'that's ironic/outrageous'. It's a different idiom.
Yes, 'à fond' is a shorter, more common alternative in daily life.
Related Phrases
De long en large
similarBack and forth / In great detail
De part en part
similarAll the way through
À fond
builds onCompletely / To the max
Entièrement
synonymEntirely
Passer au peigne fin
similarTo go through with a fine-tooth comb
