Meaning
To do practical, often difficult, work oneself.
Cultural Background
The French often value 'le terrain' (the field/ground). A politician who 'met les mains dans le cambouis' is seen as more authentic and closer to the people. In Quebec, you might also hear 'se mettre les mains dedans', which is even more direct, though 'cambouis' is understood. In the French tech startup scene, 'hands-on' is often translated directly as 'mettre les mains dans le cambouis'.
Use it in interviews
Saying you aren't afraid to 'mettre les mains dans le cambouis' is a huge plus in French job interviews.
Don't say 'mes mains'
We usually say 'les mains' (the hands) rather than 'mes mains' (my hands) in French idioms involving body parts.
Meaning
To do practical, often difficult, work oneself.
Use it in interviews
Saying you aren't afraid to 'mettre les mains dans le cambouis' is a huge plus in French job interviews.
Don't say 'mes mains'
We usually say 'les mains' (the hands) rather than 'mes mains' (my hands) in French idioms involving body parts.
Startup lingo
This is the #1 idiom used in French tech companies to describe a 'hands-on' developer.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'mettre'.
Nous ______ les mains dans le cambouis pour finir le projet.
The subject is 'Nous', so the verb 'mettre' becomes 'mettons'.
What does 'le cambouis' literally mean?
Le cambouis est...
Cambouis is the black grease found in engines.
Match the situation to the meaning.
A boss helps his team with technical coding.
Helping with technical work is the definition of this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'C'est trop difficile !' B: 'Allez, courage, il faut ______ !'
It's an encouragement to start the hard work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Cambouis vs. Pâte
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNous ______ les mains dans le cambouis pour finir le projet.
The subject is 'Nous', so the verb 'mettre' becomes 'mettons'.
Le cambouis est...
Cambouis is the black grease found in engines.
A boss helps his team with technical coding.
Helping with technical work is the definition of this idiom.
A: 'C'est trop difficile !' B: 'Allez, courage, il faut ______ !'
It's an encouragement to start the hard work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it's informal but very positive. It shows you are a hard worker.
Usually, we use 'mettre la main à la pâte' for cooking. 'Cambouis' is for mechanical or technical things.
Only in this idiom or if you are talking to a mechanic.
No, that doesn't exist. It's always 'les mains'.
Only figuratively. It means you are working hard.
Yes, it is widely understood in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada.
Related Phrases
Mettre la main à la pâte
similarTo help out with a task.
Se retrousser les manches
similarTo roll up one's sleeves.
Avoir un poil dans la main
contrastTo be very lazy.
