Meaning
To make a significant change in direction, strategy, or policy.
Cultural Background
The 'virage de la rigueur' of 1983 is a foundational historical reference. It refers to President Mitterrand's shift from socialist spending to fiscal discipline. In Quebec, 'opérer un virage' is frequently used in the context of the 'virage santé' (health shift) in schools and hospitals during the 1990s. In business circles in cities like Abidjan or Dakar, this phrase is used to describe the 'virage vers l'émergence' (shift toward emerging economy status). Used in the complex Belgian political landscape to describe shifts in federal vs. regional powers.
The '180' Rule
If you want to sound native when describing a total change of heart, always add 'à 180 degrés' after 'virage'.
Don't 'Opérer' a Person
In a medical context, 'opérer quelqu'un' means to perform surgery on them. Don't mix this up with strategy!
Meaning
To make a significant change in direction, strategy, or policy.
The '180' Rule
If you want to sound native when describing a total change of heart, always add 'à 180 degrés' after 'virage'.
Don't 'Opérer' a Person
In a medical context, 'opérer quelqu'un' means to perform surgery on them. Don't mix this up with strategy!
The Political 'Virage'
In French news, 'le virage' is often used to criticize a politician for being inconsistent. Use it carefully!
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'opérer'.
L'année dernière, notre PDG ________ un virage numérique qui a sauvé l'entreprise.
The context 'L'année dernière' requires the Passé Composé.
Quelle expression est la plus appropriée pour un article de journal économique ?
Le groupe Total ________ vers les énergies renouvelables.
'Opérer un virage' is the standard formal collocation for strategic shifts in business journalism.
Associez l'adjectif au type de virage.
1. Virage à 180 degrés | 2. Virage numérique | 3. Virage serré
180 degrees is radical; digital is technological; 'serré' (tight) implies difficulty.
Complétez la réponse de l'analyste politique.
Journaliste : 'Le ministre va-t-il changer sa loi ?' Analyste : 'Oui, il est en train d'________.'
This is the most natural way to describe a politician changing their mind completely.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesL'année dernière, notre PDG ________ un virage numérique qui a sauvé l'entreprise.
The context 'L'année dernière' requires the Passé Composé.
Le groupe Total ________ vers les énergies renouvelables.
'Opérer un virage' is the standard formal collocation for strategic shifts in business journalism.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
180 degrees is radical; digital is technological; 'serré' (tight) implies difficulty.
Journaliste : 'Le ministre va-t-il changer sa loi ?' Analyste : 'Oui, il est en train d'________.'
This is the most natural way to describe a politician changing their mind completely.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's very common in politics and for major life changes (career, lifestyle), but it always implies a serious, calculated shift.
Yes, but it's less formal. In a professional setting, 'opérer' or 'amorcer' sounds much better.
They are very similar. 'Virage' feels more like a change in direction, while 'tournant' feels like a 'turning point' in history.
Not necessarily. A 'virage' can be seen as a necessary adaptation or a desperate move to avoid failure.
You can say: 'J'ai décidé d'opérer un virage professionnel vers le marketing.'
No, it's a direct object. You operate *a turn* (opérer un virage).
Yes, you can 'opérer un changement' or 'opérer une transformation'.
Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. Use 'prendre un virage' for driving.
It's a complete reversal of strategy or opinion. A 'U-turn'.
Yes, for example, if a team changes its coaching style or strategy mid-season.
Related Phrases
Changer de cap
synonymTo change course (nautical metaphor).
Faire volte-face
similarTo do an about-face.
Prendre le pli
contrastTo get into a habit.
Amorcer une transition
builds onTo start a transition.
