Meaning
To be actively searching or watching for something specific.
Cultural Background
In French corporate culture, 'être à l'affût' is a key part of 'intelligence économique'. It's seen as a sign of a sharp, competitive mind. Quebecers use this phrase frequently in the context of nature and hunting, but also in modern tech circles in Montreal. In Belgian French, you might hear this in the context of political compromise—parties being 'à l'affût' of a consensus. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, the phrase is used in business to describe 'débrouillardise' (resourcefulness).
Use it for 'The Scoop'
Journalists love this phrase. If you want to sound like a media pro, use it when talking about news or gossip.
Don't pluralize
Even if many people are watching, it's always 'à l'affût' (singular).
Meaning
To be actively searching or watching for something specific.
Use it for 'The Scoop'
Journalists love this phrase. If you want to sound like a media pro, use it when talking about news or gossip.
Don't pluralize
Even if many people are watching, it's always 'à l'affût' (singular).
The Predatory Nuance
Remember it comes from hunting. Using it shows you are 'hungry' for the result.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'être à l'affût de'.
Les journalistes ______ ______ ______ moindre scoop.
The subject 'Les journalistes' is 3rd person plural (sont). 'Moindre scoop' is masculine singular, so 'de + le' becomes 'du'.
Which situation best fits the expression 'être à l'affût'?
A) You lost your keys and are looking under the sofa. B) You are waiting for a specific limited-edition sneaker to drop online. C) You are watching a movie for fun.
B involves strategic waiting for a specific opportunity, which is the core meaning of the phrase.
Match the subject with the correct conjugation and object.
1. Je / 2. Nous / 3. Elle
Matches the verb 'être' with the subject and logical objects.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Tu as vu le nouveau smartphone ? B: Oui, mais il est trop cher. ________.
Waiting for a price drop is a classic use of this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Affût vs. Aguets
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLes journalistes ______ ______ ______ moindre scoop.
The subject 'Les journalistes' is 3rd person plural (sont). 'Moindre scoop' is masculine singular, so 'de + le' becomes 'du'.
A) You lost your keys and are looking under the sofa. B) You are waiting for a specific limited-edition sneaker to drop online. C) You are watching a movie for fun.
B involves strategic waiting for a specific opportunity, which is the core meaning of the phrase.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matches the verb 'être' with the subject and logical objects.
A: Tu as vu le nouveau smartphone ? B: Oui, mais il est trop cher. ________.
Waiting for a price drop is a classic use of this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually positive or neutral. It implies being sharp and alert. However, it can be negative if it implies someone is waiting for you to fail.
Yes, e.g., 'Les recruteurs sont à l'affût de nouveaux talents.'
'Guetter' is the action; 'être à l'affût' is the state of being. The latter sounds more idiomatic and sophisticated.
No, it's always 'de'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.
Yes, it is very common in high-quality journalism and business reports.
Literally, it's a hunter's blind. In artillery, it's the carriage of a gun.
Shape your lips as if to say 'oo' but try to say 'ee'.
No, it's standard French, leaning towards formal/sophisticated.
No, that sounds too dramatic. Use 'chercher'.
'Être inattentif' or 'baisser sa garde' (to lower one's guard).
Related Phrases
Être aux aguets
similarTo be on the lookout (usually for danger).
Guetter
synonymTo watch for / to lie in wait.
Être sur le qui-vive
similarTo be on high alert.
Ouvrir l'œil
similarTo keep an eye out.
Faire le pied de grue
contrastTo wait around for a long time.
