In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a formal court ruling or a physical transit stop.
- Used in legal contexts or when giving specific travel directions.
- Distinguishes between 'by means of' and 'at a location'.
Meaning
This phrase refers to something happening because of a formal court ruling or decree, or physically passing through a specific transit stop.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a court case
Le litige a été tranché par l'arrêt de la Cour d'appel.
The dispute was settled by the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
Giving directions to a friend
Tu dois passer par l'arrêt 'Opéra' pour arriver plus vite.
You have to go by the 'Opéra' stop to get here faster.
Formal administrative email
La procédure est régie par l'arrêt préfectoral du 12 mai.
The procedure is governed by the prefectural decree of May 12th.
Cultural Background
The 'arrêt' is a fundamental concept in the French legal system, representing the final decision of a high court. In Quebec, 'arrêt' is also used for 'stop sign' on the road. Belgian French uses 'arrêt' similarly to France for both transit and law. Swiss French legal documents frequently use 'par l'arrêt' to cite federal court decisions.
Context is King
Always check if you are talking about a bus or a judge!
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a formal court ruling or a physical transit stop.
- Used in legal contexts or when giving specific travel directions.
- Distinguishes between 'by means of' and 'at a location'.
What It Means
Think of par l'arrêt as the 'how' or 'where' of an action. In the world of law, an arrêt is a formal judgment. When you say something was decided par l'arrêt, you're saying the court's decree made it happen. In everyday life, it’s more literal. It describes moving 'via' or 'by' a specific transit stop. It’s a bridge between the stiff world of judges and the daily hustle of the bus station.
How To Use It
You’ll mostly see this in formal writing or hear it in directions. If you’re citing a legal case, you use it to point to the specific decision. If you're telling a friend your route, you use it to specify which stop you're passing. It’s a precise phrase. It doesn't just mean 'stop'; it means 'by way of the stop' or 'by means of the ruling.' It’s like pointing a finger at a specific point on a map or a document.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound authoritative about a rule. It’s perfect for professional emails regarding company policies or legal matters. You can also use it when giving directions. 'Passer par l'arrêt' is a common way to tell someone to go via the bus station. It’s great for B2 learners because it shows you understand the difference between a simple stop and a formal decree.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this to tell someone to 'stop' doing something. That’s just the verb arrêter. Don't use it if you mean 'at the stop'—that would be à l'arrêt. If you use par when you mean à, people might think you are literally flying through the bus stop without stopping! Also, avoid it in very slangy conversations. It feels a bit too structured for a casual 'hey, what's up?' vibe.
Cultural Background
France is a country that loves its administrative procedures. The term arrêt comes from the Old French 'arester,' meaning to stay or remain. In the French legal system, an arrêt is a decision from a high court, like the *Cour de cassation*. It’s a big deal. Culturally, it reflects the French respect for centralized authority and clear, written rules. Even the bus system is treated with a certain level of formal naming that reflects this love for order.
Common Variations
You will often hear sans arrêt, which means 'without stopping' or 'constantly.' There is also à l'arrêt, which means something is at a complete standstill. If you’re talking about a heart attack, the French say arrêt cardiaque. If you are in the military and get in trouble, you might be aux arrêts (under arrest/confined). Each variation changes the vibe, but they all stem from that core idea of a definitive 'stop' or 'decision.'
Usage Notes
In legal contexts, it is strictly formal. In transit contexts, it is neutral. Be careful not to use it as a verb; it is always a prepositional phrase.
Context is King
Always check if you are talking about a bus or a judge!
Examples
6Le litige a été tranché par l'arrêt de la Cour d'appel.
The dispute was settled by the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
Here, it refers to the legal power of the court's decision.
Tu dois passer par l'arrêt 'Opéra' pour arriver plus vite.
You have to go by the 'Opéra' stop to get here faster.
A common way to describe a route using public transit.
La procédure est régie par l'arrêt préfectoral du 12 mai.
The procedure is governed by the prefectural decree of May 12th.
Very formal, citing a specific government document.
Je viens de passer par l'arrêt de bus, j'arrive dans 2 minutes !
I just passed by the bus stop, I'll be there in 2 minutes!
Informal use for tracking progress during a commute.
Ce bus s'intéresse tellement à la ville qu'il s'endort par l'arrêt.
This bus is so interested in the city that it falls asleep by the stop.
A joke about a bus that lingers too long at every stop.
Tout a été bouleversé par l'arrêt brutal du financement.
Everything was disrupted by the sudden stop of funding.
Using 'arrêt' to mean the cessation of something important.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Le bus doit passer ____ l'arrêt de la gare.
We use 'passer par' to indicate movement through a location.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesLe bus doit passer ____ l'arrêt de la gare.
We use 'passer par' to indicate movement through a location.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it works for any transit stop.
Related Phrases
à l'arrêt
contrastat a standstill
en vertu de
synonymby virtue of
