Meaning
Achieved through great effort and struggle.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply linked to the French concept of 'le mérite'. In the French education system, success in 'concours' (competitive exams) is the ultimate 'haute lutte'. Often used in the context of 'la lutte linguistique' (the linguistic struggle) to preserve the French language in North America. Frequently appears in political speeches regarding independence and sovereignty. Used to describe the complex negotiations between linguistic communities to form a government.
Use with 'Arracher'
Pairing 'de haute lutte' with the verb 'arracher' (to snatch) creates a very powerful image of a hard-won victory.
Aspirated H
Remember that 'haute' has an aspirated H. Say 'de haute lutte', never 'd'haute lutte'.
Meaning
Achieved through great effort and struggle.
Use with 'Arracher'
Pairing 'de haute lutte' with the verb 'arracher' (to snatch) creates a very powerful image of a hard-won victory.
Aspirated H
Remember that 'haute' has an aspirated H. Say 'de haute lutte', never 'd'haute lutte'.
Journalistic Style
If you read French newspapers, look for this phrase in the political section. It's a favorite of editorialists.
Irony
You can use it ironically with friends for small tasks, but make sure your tone makes the joke clear.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec l'expression correcte.
Le candidat a remporté l'élection de ______ lutte.
L'expression fixe est 'de haute lutte'.
Dans quel contexte est-il le plus approprié d'utiliser 'de haute lutte' ?
Contexte :
L'expression s'utilise pour des succès importants et difficiles.
Associez le verbe à son complément pour former une phrase cohérente.
Verbes : 1. Obtenir, 2. Remporter, 3. Arracher
Ces combinaisons sont très fréquentes en français formel.
Complétez le dialogue avec l'expression appropriée.
Jean : 'Alors, tu as eu ce prêt à la banque ?' Marc : 'Oui, mais je l'ai eu ______.'
Obtenir un prêt difficile suggère un combat administratif.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLe candidat a remporté l'élection de ______ lutte.
L'expression fixe est 'de haute lutte'.
Contexte :
L'expression s'utilise pour des succès importants et difficiles.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Ces combinaisons sont très fréquentes en français formel.
Jean : 'Alors, tu as eu ce prêt à la banque ?' Marc : 'Oui, mais je l'ai eu ______.'
Obtenir un prêt difficile suggère un combat administratif.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, yes. It emphasizes the merit and strength of the winner. However, it also implies that the process was very exhausting.
In modern French, it's almost exclusively figurative. For a physical fight, use 'un combat acharné'.
'De haute lutte' is formal and noble. 'À l'arraché' is more informal and suggests a victory that was barely achieved at the last second.
No. 'Haute' agrees with 'lutte' (feminine), and the whole phrase is a fixed adverbial locution.
It's common in formal speeches or news broadcasts, but rare in casual daily conversation.
It's grammatically possible but rare. Usually, we say 'un combat de haute lutte' or 'une lutte acharnée'.
In this context, 'high' means intense or of a great degree, similar to 'high pressure'.
No, the phrase is always singular: 'de haute lutte'.
Yes, it's very appropriate for describing a difficult negotiation or a hard-won contract.
'Au prix d'efforts soutenus' or 'après une âpre négociation' are good alternatives.
Related Phrases
À l'arraché
similarTo win at the last moment or with extreme difficulty.
Vendre chèrement sa peau
contrastTo fight hard before losing.
Une victoire à la Pyrrhus
contrastA victory that ruins the winner.
Mener un combat acharné
builds onTo lead a relentless fight.
