In 15 Seconds
- Being in someone's good graces or favor.
- Often implies being a favorite for a promotion.
- Used to describe social or professional influence.
Meaning
It means being in someone's good graces or being a favorite. If you are 'in the little papers' of a boss or friend, they think highly of you and you're likely to get special treatment or a promotion.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a colleague's promotion
Marc est vraiment dans les petits papiers du directeur en ce moment.
Marc is really in the director's good books right now.
Trying to win back a friend's favor
J'espère que je suis toujours dans tes petits papiers après mon retard.
I hope I'm still in your good graces after being late.
Observing a teacher's favorite student
Elle participe tellement qu'elle est dans les petits papiers du prof.
She participates so much that she's in the teacher's favor.
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from the private notebooks kept by aristocrats and officials in the 1700s to track their favorites. It highlights the French cultural emphasis on 'le piston' (nepotism or networking) as a key to professional success. Today, it remains a staple in political and corporate jargon to describe shifting alliances.
The 'Piston' Connection
In France, networking is called 'le piston'. Being in the 'petits papiers' is the result of successful 'piston'. Use them together to sound like a local!
Don't say 'Grands Papiers'
Even if the favor is huge, the papers remain 'petits'. Changing the size of the paper ruins the idiom.
In 15 Seconds
- Being in someone's good graces or favor.
- Often implies being a favorite for a promotion.
- Used to describe social or professional influence.
What It Means
Imagine having a secret list of favorite people. In French, being on that list means you are dans les petits papiers. It is all about favor and influence. It implies you have a privileged relationship with someone powerful. You aren't just a face in the crowd. You are a VIP in their mind. It often suggests you might get a promotion soon.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to describe someone's status. It usually follows the verb être (to be). You can also say revenir dans les petits papiers. This means earning back someone's trust after a mistake. It works perfectly when gossiping about office politics. Use it to explain why someone got a lucky break. It sounds natural and very observant.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings to discuss career moves. It is great for networking chats or coffee breaks. You can use it with friends to discuss social circles. If a teacher favors a student, this phrase fits perfectly. Use it when you notice someone getting special perks. It is a sophisticated way to talk about favoritism.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very strict, legal documents. It is a bit too colorful for a formal contract. Don't use it if you are genuinely angry. It carries a hint of lighthearted observation or irony. If someone is literally holding small notes, don't get confused! This is strictly about social standing, not stationery. Also, avoid it in high-stress emergency situations.
Cultural Background
This expression dates back to the 18th century. Back then, people kept 'little papers' or notebooks. These lists contained names of people they liked or owed. If your name was written there, you were safe. It reflects the French history of courtly intrigue and influence. It is a very 'Old World' way of looking at power. It shows that who you know often matters most.
Common Variations
You might hear être en odeur de sainteté. This is a more religious, formal version. Another one is être dans les bonnes grâces. This is very polite and slightly old-fashioned. If you are in trouble, you are sur la sellette. That is the opposite of being in the little papers. Stick to the 'papers' for a modern, savvy vibe.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to slightly informal. It is perfect for workplace gossip or describing social hierarchies without being vulgar. Be careful not to use it if you want to sound strictly objective.
The 'Piston' Connection
In France, networking is called 'le piston'. Being in the 'petits papiers' is the result of successful 'piston'. Use them together to sound like a local!
Don't say 'Grands Papiers'
Even if the favor is huge, the papers remain 'petits'. Changing the size of the paper ruins the idiom.
The Royal Origin
This phrase comes from the 18th-century royal court. It's a secret way of saying you have the King's ear without being too blunt.
Examples
6Marc est vraiment dans les petits papiers du directeur en ce moment.
Marc is really in the director's good books right now.
Suggests Marc is the favorite for upcoming opportunities.
J'espère que je suis toujours dans tes petits papiers après mon retard.
I hope I'm still in your good graces after being late.
A lighthearted way to apologize for a minor slip-up.
Elle participe tellement qu'elle est dans les petits papiers du prof.
She participates so much that she's in the teacher's favor.
Used to describe a student who is well-liked by faculty.
L'entretien s'est bien passé, je crois que je suis dans leurs petits papiers !
The interview went well, I think I'm on their shortlist!
Expresses optimism about being a preferred candidate.
Fais la vaisselle si tu veux rester dans les petits papiers de maman.
Do the dishes if you want to stay in mom's good books.
Using professional-sounding language for a domestic chore.
Depuis notre dispute, je ne suis plus dans ses petits papiers.
Since our argument, I'm no longer in her favor.
Expresses a loss of status or friendship.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition and noun to complete the idiom.
Jean a obtenu une prime car il est ___ ___ ___ ___ de la patronne.
The standard idiom is 'dans les petits papiers', referring to the historical notebooks of favorites.
Which verb is most commonly used with this expression?
Julie ___ dans les petits papiers du maire.
The phrase uses the verb 'être' (to be) to describe a state of being in favor.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Dans les petits papiers'
Used with friends about social standing.
T'es plus dans mes petits papiers !
Common office talk about colleagues.
Il est dans les petits papiers du chef.
Slightly too colorful for official reports.
L'employé est en faveur.
When to use 'Dans les petits papiers'
Office Politics
Discussing who will get the next promotion.
School Life
Talking about the teacher's pet.
Family
Joking about being the favorite child.
Dating
Wondering if a crush likes you back.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesJean a obtenu une prime car il est ___ ___ ___ ___ de la patronne.
The standard idiom is 'dans les petits papiers', referring to the historical notebooks of favorites.
Julie ___ dans les petits papiers du maire.
The phrase uses the verb 'être' (to be) to describe a state of being in favor.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you can use it in any social situation where someone has a favorite. For example, Je suis dans les petits papiers de ma grand-mère means you're her favorite grandchild.
It is generally positive for the person in favor, but can be used with a hint of jealousy by others. If you say it about someone else, it might imply they are a 'suck-up'.
It is better suited for spoken French or casual professional chats. In a formal email, use être en faveur or jouir d'une bonne image instead.
The opposite would be être sur la liste noire (to be on the black list) or être dans le collimateur de quelqu'un (to be in someone's crosshairs).
Yes, though it sounds a bit more 'classic'. Young professionals use it to sound savvy about office dynamics.
The phrase is fixed as petits papiers. Even in the age of iPhones, we still refer to the historical 'little papers'.
You would say Je veux être dans tes petits papiers. It sounds charming and slightly playful.
It is almost always plural: les petits papiers. Using the singular le petit papier would not be recognized as the idiom.
Not necessarily, but it does imply that the relationship is personal rather than purely merit-based. It's about 'soft power'.
No, it is strictly for people or entities like companies. You wouldn't say a book is in your 'petits papiers'.
Related Phrases
Être en odeur de sainteté
To be in a state of grace/highly favored
Avoir le bras long
To have a lot of influence/reach
Être le chouchou
To be the teacher's pet/favorite
S'attirer les bonnes grâces
To win someone over
