Meaning
To temporarily stop or suspend an activity or project.
Cultural Background
In French corporate culture, this is a very common way to avoid saying 'no' directly. The phrase is used similarly in Quebec, though sometimes 'mettre sur la glace' (put on ice) is also heard. Belgian French uses the phrase exactly as in France, often in administrative contexts.
Don't forget 'mettre'
The idiom requires the verb 'mettre'. You cannot just say 'en veilleuse'.
Professionalism
It is a very polite way to manage your time.
Meaning
To temporarily stop or suspend an activity or project.
Don't forget 'mettre'
The idiom requires the verb 'mettre'. You cannot just say 'en veilleuse'.
Professionalism
It is a very polite way to manage your time.
Test Yourself
Which sentence is correct?
Il faut ____ ce projet en veilleuse.
The idiom is always 'mettre en veilleuse'.
Complete the sentence.
Nous avons ____ le dossier en veilleuse.
The past participle of 'mettre' is 'mis'.
When do you use this?
You want to pause a project but keep it for later.
It is the only option that implies a temporary pause.
Complete the dialogue.
A: On fait quoi avec ce projet ? B: On le met ____.
The idiom is 'en veilleuse'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl faut ____ ce projet en veilleuse.
The idiom is always 'mettre en veilleuse'.
Nous avons ____ le dossier en veilleuse.
The past participle of 'mettre' is 'mis'.
You want to pause a project but keep it for later.
It is the only option that implies a temporary pause.
A: On fait quoi avec ce projet ? B: On le met ____.
The idiom is 'en veilleuse'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is neutral and works in almost any context.
No, only for projects or ideas.
No, it means pause.
Yes, very common in business.
Relancer (to restart).
Yes, it is very professional.
Related Phrases
Mettre en sourdine
similarTo quiet down/mute
Mettre de côté
similarTo put aside
Mettre sur la glace
similarTo put on ice
