Meaning
To help someone with a task or provide assistance.
Cultural Background
The 'Fête des Voisins' is a major event where 'filer un coup de main' is the unofficial motto. It's about building local trust. In Quebec, you might also hear 'donner un coup d'épaule' (give a blow of the shoulder), emphasizing the physical effort. Usage is very similar to France, but the 'filer' can sometimes be replaced by 'donner' even in very casual settings. Solidarity is central. 'Filer un coup de main' is often used for community projects or helping elders.
The 'Lui' Rule
Always remember to use 'lui' for both 'him' and 'her' when using this phrase: 'Je lui file un coup de main.'
Watch the Register
Don't use 'filer' in a job interview. Use 'aider' or 'assister' instead.
Meaning
To help someone with a task or provide assistance.
The 'Lui' Rule
Always remember to use 'lui' for both 'him' and 'her' when using this phrase: 'Je lui file un coup de main.'
Watch the Register
Don't use 'filer' in a job interview. Use 'aider' or 'assister' instead.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'filer'.
Demain, nous ______ un coup de main à Julie pour son jardin.
The subject is 'nous', so the verb 'filer' must be conjugated as 'filons'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a friend?
You want to help your friend carry heavy groceries.
'Filer un coup de main' is the perfect informal way to offer help to a friend.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'C'est trop dur de monter ce meuble seul !' B: 'Ne t'inquiète pas, je vais ______.'
The correct idiom is 'filer un coup de main'.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
1. Filer un coup de main | 2. Prêter main-forte | 3. Donner un coup de main
'Filer' is informal, 'Prêter main-forte' is formal/literary, and 'Donner' is neutral.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDemain, nous ______ un coup de main à Julie pour son jardin.
The subject is 'nous', so the verb 'filer' must be conjugated as 'filons'.
You want to help your friend carry heavy groceries.
'Filer un coup de main' is the perfect informal way to offer help to a friend.
A: 'C'est trop dur de monter ce meuble seul !' B: 'Ne t'inquiète pas, je vais ______.'
The correct idiom is 'filer un coup de main'.
1. Filer un coup de main | 2. Prêter main-forte | 3. Donner un coup de main
'Filer' is informal, 'Prêter main-forte' is formal/literary, and 'Donner' is neutral.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very casual. Use it with people you are comfortable with.
No, it is always singular: 'un coup de main'.
'Filer' is informal/slangy, 'donner' is neutral and safe for all situations.
Usually, it's for practical or physical tasks. For emotional help, 'soutenir' is better.
You can say 'Tu peux me filer un coup de main ?' or 'J'ai besoin d'un coup de main.'
Only if you are very close with the colleague. Otherwise, avoid it.
No, that would be 'donner un coup'. Adding 'de main' changes it to 'help'.
Yes, it is understood and used throughout the Francophonie.
Yes: 'Il m'a filé un coup de main.'
There isn't a direct idiom, but 'mettre des bâtons dans les roues' (to put sticks in the wheels) means to hinder someone.
Related Phrases
Donner un coup de main
synonymTo help (neutral)
Prêter main-forte
specialized formTo assist in a struggle
Dépanner
similarTo help someone out of a jam
Rendre service
similarTo do a favor
