In 15 Seconds
- To leave a legacy of achievement behind you.
- Used mostly in professional or artistic contexts.
- Implies a lasting impact rather than a quick win.
Meaning
This phrase isn't actually a standard French idiom; it is a literal combination of 'laisser' (to leave) and 'un succès' (a success). It describes the act of leaving behind a legacy of achievement or allowing a success to remain as it is.
Key Examples
3 of 6Retirement speech for a boss
Il a su laisser un succès durable dans cette entreprise.
He knew how to leave a lasting success in this company.
Discussing a famous director
Après son départ, elle laisse un succès critique immense.
After her departure, she leaves behind an immense critical success.
Texting about a project hand-off
Je veux te laisser un succès, pas un problème !
I want to leave you a success, not a problem!
Cultural Background
In French professional culture, the 'passation' (handover) is a sacred ritual. Leaving a success behind ensures your successor has a strong foundation, which is highly respected in French administration and arts. It reflects a long-standing European tradition of building legacies that outlast the individual.
The 'Trace' Factor
If you want to sound even more French, use 'laisser une trace'. It means leaving a mark and is used much more often in daily life.
Don't Overuse It
Because it sounds grand, using it for small tasks (like finishing a report) can sound like you have a very big ego!
In 15 Seconds
- To leave a legacy of achievement behind you.
- Used mostly in professional or artistic contexts.
- Implies a lasting impact rather than a quick win.
What It Means
Imagine you just finished a massive project. You did a great job. Now, you are moving on to something new. You are literally leaving that success behind for others to see. It is about the trail of wins you leave in your wake. It is not a common slang term. It is a very literal way to describe a legacy. Think of it as your 'greatest hits' collection.
How To Use It
You use it like any other verb-noun combo. Use laisser as your action verb. Pair it with un succès to show what was achieved. You can say someone 'left a success' at their old job. It sounds a bit poetic and grand. It is like dropping a microphone and walking away. Just make sure the success actually happened first!
When To Use It
Use this when discussing careers or history. It fits well when a director leaves a theater. Or when a chef leaves a famous restaurant. It works when you want to sound slightly dramatic. Use it in a toast at a retirement party. It feels warm and respectful. It is perfect for LinkedIn-style professional praise.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for small things. You don't 'leave a success' by finishing your laundry. That would sound very weird and boastful. Avoid it in casual texts about lunch. It is too heavy for minor daily wins. If you just won a video game, don't use this. It implies a lasting impact, not a quick victory.
Cultural Background
French culture values 'le patrimoine' or heritage. Leaving something meaningful behind is a big deal. Whether it is art, food, or business, the legacy matters. This phrase taps into that desire for a lasting mark. It reflects the French respect for a job well done. It is about the 'trace' you leave in society.
Common Variations
You might hear laisser un souvenir impérissable. That means leaving an unforgettable memory. Or laisser une trace. This is more common and means 'to leave a mark'. You can also say connaître un succès. That just means to experience success. But laisser adds that cool 'walk away' vibe.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register phrase. It is best reserved for professional milestones, artistic achievements, or moments of significant transition where you want to emphasize a positive legacy.
The 'Trace' Factor
If you want to sound even more French, use 'laisser une trace'. It means leaving a mark and is used much more often in daily life.
Don't Overuse It
Because it sounds grand, using it for small tasks (like finishing a report) can sound like you have a very big ego!
The Humble Brag
French people often value 'discrétion'. If you say you left a success, do it through the words of others to avoid sounding 'prétentieux'.
Examples
6Il a su laisser un succès durable dans cette entreprise.
He knew how to leave a lasting success in this company.
Focuses on the long-term impact of their work.
Après son départ, elle laisse un succès critique immense.
After her departure, she leaves behind an immense critical success.
Common in the world of arts and cinema.
Je veux te laisser un succès, pas un problème !
I want to leave you a success, not a problem!
A friendly way to say you've prepared everything well.
J'ai laissé un succès en cuisine : mon gâteau est parfait.
I left a success in the kitchen: my cake is perfect.
Slightly sarcastic because the phrase is usually so formal.
Tu laisses un succès derrière toi, on va te regretter.
You are leaving a success behind you; we will miss you.
Validates the person's hard work as they leave.
L'objectif est de laisser un succès avant la fin du trimestre.
The goal is to leave a success before the end of the quarter.
Sets a high bar for the project's conclusion.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to describe a departing colleague's legacy.
Elle a travaillé dur pour ___ un succès avant de partir.
To 'leave' a success (laisser) is the correct verb for creating a legacy.
Choose the correct noun to complete the phrase.
Le chef veut laisser un ___ mémorable dans son restaurant.
A 'succès' (success) is what you want to leave behind to be remembered positively.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Laisser un succès'
Rarely used; sounds too dramatic for small talk.
J'ai laissé un succès au café.
Used in workplace discussions about results.
On doit laisser un succès.
Perfect for speeches, articles, and reviews.
Il laisse un succès retentissant.
Where to use 'Laisser un succès'
Job Exit
Leaving a high-performing team.
Artistic Legacy
A painter finishing their final series.
Community Work
Completing a successful charity drive.
Sports
A captain retiring after a winning season.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesElle a travaillé dur pour ___ un succès avant de partir.
To 'leave' a success (laisser) is the correct verb for creating a legacy.
Le chef veut laisser un ___ mémorable dans son restaurant.
A 'succès' (success) is what you want to leave behind to be remembered positively.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. It is a literal phrase used in formal contexts rather than a fixed idiomatic expression like avoir le cafard.
Probably not. It is too 'big' for small tasks. Use réussir mon devoir instead.
Avoir du succès means to be successful right now. Laisser un succès means the success stays there after you go.
Yes! Saying Je veux laisser un succès derrière moi shows you care about the company's future.
Only if you are being funny. It sounds very formal, like you are a professional event planner.
You would say laisser un échec, but people rarely want to admit to that!
Yes, laisser des succès, but it is much more common in the singular to describe a single legacy.
It is more common in writing, especially in journalism or formal biographies.
Yes, a coach who wins a championship and then retires laisse un succès to the club.
Not really. Slang for success is often un carton, but you wouldn't say laisser un carton.
Related Phrases
Laisser une trace
Connaître le succès
Faire un tabac
Remporter une victoire
Laisser un héritage
