B2 Collocation Formal 4 min read

sur les décret

sur the décret

Literally: {"sur":"on","les":"the","d\u00e9crets":"decrees"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Official government orders are key.
  • Actions are directly based on decrees.
  • Used in formal or legal contexts.
  • Emphasizes authority and obligation.

Meaning

When you hear `sur les décrets`, think official pronouncements that carry serious weight. It's like the government saying, 'This is happening, and here's the rule.' It’s not casual chat; it’s about legally binding decisions that shape society, from taxes to public health mandates. There’s a definite vibe of authority and obligation here.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

News report about a new environmental policy

La nouvelle politique environnementale sera mise en œuvre `sur les décrets` du gouvernement.

The new environmental policy will be implemented based on government decrees.

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2

Legal discussion about property rights

Les droits de propriété sont régis `sur les décrets` de longue date.

Property rights are governed by long-standing decrees.

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3

Academic text on administrative law

L'application de ces mesures s'appuie directement `sur les décrets` exécutifs.

The application of these measures relies directly on executive decrees.

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🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of decrees has a long history in French governance, stemming from royal edicts and evolving through various republics and empires. The phrase `sur les décrets` reflects a legal tradition where executive power can enact laws through specific, signed orders. This system allows for swift governmental action but also concentrates power, making the phrase inherently tied to discussions of authority and the rule of law in France.

💡

Think 'Direct Lineage'

Always picture `sur les décrets` as a direct, official line connecting an action to a government order. It’s not just related; it’s *born from* it.

⚠️

Avoid Casual Overuse!

Using `sur les décrets` for everyday rules (like 'no shoes inside') sounds hilariously out of touch. Stick to official government mandates!

In 15 Seconds

  • Official government orders are key.
  • Actions are directly based on decrees.
  • Used in formal or legal contexts.
  • Emphasizes authority and obligation.

What It Means

This phrase, sur les décrets, literally means 'on the decrees.' But in real talk, it’s about actions, rules, or situations that are directly based on official government orders or laws. Think of it as the legal foundation for something. It carries an air of authority and officialdom. It’s not just any rule; it’s a rule born from a formal decree.

How To Use It

You use sur les décrets when you’re talking about something that is a direct consequence of a governmental decree. It connects an action or a situation to its legal origin. It’s like saying, 'Because of this official order, this is happening.' You’ll often see it in news reports or legal discussions. It’s a way to be precise about the source of a rule or a policy. It’s not super common in everyday chat, but it's key for understanding official language.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine a new law about recycling is passed. You might hear, 'Les nouvelles mesures de tri sont appliquées sur les décrets présidentiels.' This means the new recycling rules are in effect because of presidential decrees. Or maybe a city council passes a rule about parking. That rule is enforced sur les décrets municipaux. It’s all about linking the action to the official order.

When To Use It

Use sur les décrets when you need to emphasize that something is officially mandated by a government or authority. It's perfect for news articles, political analysis, or legal documents. If you're discussing a policy change that stemmed from a formal law, this phrase fits right in. It adds a layer of official legitimacy to the topic. It’s like adding a legal stamp of approval to your sentence. Did you know some decrees are so old they're practically ancient history? Talk about a long-lasting rule!

When NOT To Use It

Don't use sur les décrets for casual conversations about everyday rules. If your friend makes a rule about who gets the last slice of pizza, that’s not a decree! Avoid it for informal agreements or personal opinions. It sounds way too serious and out of place. Using it for minor things can make you sound like you’re trying too hard to be formal, or worse, like you don't quite get the gravity of a real decree. It’s not for your Netflix watch list rules.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse sur les décrets with more general phrases. They might say something is sur une décision (on a decision) when it's a formal decree. Or they might just use concernant les décrets (concerning the decrees) which is less direct. The key is that sur les décrets implies a direct, causal link – the action is *based on* or *enforced by* the decree. It’s not just *about* the decree.

sur une décision sur les décrets
concernant les décrets sur les décrets

Similar Expressions

You might hear en vertu de la loi (by virtue of the law) or conformément au décret (in accordance with the decree). En vertu de la loi is broader, referring to any law. Conformément au décret is very similar, emphasizing compliance. Sur les décrets specifically points to the decree itself as the basis. Think of sur les décrets as the most direct link to the official order. It’s like saying the decree is the parent of the action.

Common Variations

While sur les décrets is the standard, you might sometimes see variations depending on the specific authority. For example, sur les arrêtés (on the orders/directives) might be used for more local or ministerial decisions. Or sur les ordonnances (on the ordinances) for specific types of legal texts. The core idea remains: linking something to an official, legally binding document. It’s like different flavors of official sauce!

Memory Trick

💡

Picture a giant, official-looking D in the sky, raining down Stamp-like Underlined Rules. The 'SUR' is the stamp falling, and 'LES DÉCRETS' are the official rules. Whenever you see something happening because of an official rule, remember that big, official stamp falling from the sky – that's sur les décrets!

Quick FAQ

Q. Is sur les décrets used in everyday French?

A. Not really. It's more formal, often found in news or legal contexts. You'll hear it when official government actions are discussed, not when your friend makes a house rule. It’s like using a gavel to settle a debate about pizza toppings – a bit overkill for casual chats!

Usage Notes

This phrase is strictly formal and should only be used when referencing official government decrees or executive orders. Its use implies a direct, legally binding origin for an action or policy. Using it in casual conversation or for non-official rules would be incorrect and sound pretentious.

💡

Think 'Direct Lineage'

Always picture `sur les décrets` as a direct, official line connecting an action to a government order. It’s not just related; it’s *born from* it.

⚠️

Avoid Casual Overuse!

Using `sur les décrets` for everyday rules (like 'no shoes inside') sounds hilariously out of touch. Stick to official government mandates!

🎯

Add Specificity

Often, you'll see it followed by the type of decree, like `sur les décrets présidentiels` (presidential decrees) or `sur les décrets municipaux` (municipal decrees) for extra clarity.

💬

Echoes of Authority

France has a strong tradition of centralized authority. The phrase `sur les décrets` taps into this historical context, signifying decisions that come directly from the top echelons of power.

Examples

10
#1 News report about a new environmental policy
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

La nouvelle politique environnementale sera mise en œuvre `sur les décrets` du gouvernement.

The new environmental policy will be implemented based on government decrees.

This shows the policy's direct origin from official orders.

#2 Legal discussion about property rights
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Les droits de propriété sont régis `sur les décrets` de longue date.

Property rights are governed by long-standing decrees.

Highlights that the legal framework stems from historical decrees.

#3 Academic text on administrative law
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

L'application de ces mesures s'appuie directement `sur les décrets` exécutifs.

The application of these measures relies directly on executive decrees.

Emphasizes the executive decrees as the foundation.

#4 Explaining a new regulation at work (internal memo)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Toutes les nouvelles procédures de sécurité sont basées `sur les décrets` récents.

All new safety procedures are based on recent decrees.

Connects workplace rules to official government mandates.

#5 Social media post commenting on a political decision
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

On dirait que tout se fait maintenant `sur les décrets` ! Pas beaucoup de débat.

It seems like everything is done via decrees now! Not much debate.

A slightly critical or observational tone about how decisions are made.

#6 Texting a friend about a new public health measure
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Apparemment, le port du masque obligatoire est `sur les décrets` du ministre de la Santé.

Apparently, the mandatory mask-wearing is based on the Health Minister's decrees.

Casual way to refer to the official basis of a rule.

Mistake: Using a general term instead of decree Common Mistake
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✗ Les nouvelles règles de circulation sont `sur les décisions` du maire. → ✓ Les nouvelles règles de circulation sont `sur les décrets` municipaux.

✗ The new traffic rules are based on the mayor's decisions. → ✓ The new traffic rules are based on municipal decrees.

Shows the difference between a general decision and a formal decree.

Mistake: Using 'about' instead of 'based on' Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ On parle beaucoup `concernant les décrets` sur le logement. → ✓ Les nouvelles mesures sur le logement sont `sur les décrets`.

✗ We talk a lot about decrees concerning housing. → ✓ The new housing measures are based on decrees.

Illustrates that `sur les décrets` implies direct basis, not just discussion.

#9 Humorous take on bureaucracy
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Mon week-end a été annulé `sur les décrets` de ma mère concernant le nettoyage de printemps.

My weekend was cancelled based on my mother's decrees regarding spring cleaning.

Uses the phrase humorously for a personal, non-governmental 'decree'.

#10 Expressing frustration about a government decision
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Je suis tellement frustré `sur les décrets` qui limitent nos libertés. On dirait qu'on n'a plus notre mot à dire.

I'm so frustrated by the decrees limiting our freedoms. It feels like we have no say anymore.

Conveys strong emotion tied to the impact of official decrees.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

`sur les décrets` is used here because it specifically refers to actions based on official government orders.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.

Which sentence correctly uses the phrase related to official orders?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les restrictions sanitaires sont `sur les décrets` gouvernementaux.

The correct sentence links public health restrictions directly to official government decrees, which is the intended use of the phrase.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase `sur les décrets` specifically refers to official governmental orders, not just any decision. Using 'une décision' is too general.

Translate this sentence into French.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This translation correctly uses `sur les décrets` to show the policy's official foundation.

Fill in the blank.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

This sentence requires a phrase indicating that the changes are directly mandated by official decrees from the ministry.

Find and fix the error.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase `sur les décrets` is reserved for official government mandates, not personal projects. The correction clarifies the relationship to official decrees.

Put the words in the correct order.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This reordering forms the correct phrase `sur les décrets`.

Choose the correct option.

Which phrase means 'based on official government orders'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

`sur les décrets` is the specific phrase used to indicate that something is based on official government decrees.

Translate this sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This uses `sur les décrets` to connect the enforcement action to the specific decrees of a past government.

Match the phrase with its correct meaning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This exercise helps differentiate `sur les décrets` from similar legalistic phrases.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This sentence correctly places `sur les décrets` to indicate the basis of the new measures.

Choose the sentence that best reflects the meaning of 'based on official decrees'.

Which sentence is the most accurate?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les règles sont `sur les décrets` présidentiels.

Only the second option correctly links the rules to official presidential decrees, aligning with the phrase's formal and legalistic meaning.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum: `sur les décrets`

Very Casual

Everyday chat, jokes, personal opinions.

My mom's 'decrees' about chores.

Casual

Informal discussions, social media.

The new cafe rules seem to be based on some decree.

Neutral

General information, standard reporting.

The policy is being discussed.

Formal

Official statements, news, legal contexts.

The regulations are enacted `sur les décrets` présidentiels.

Where You'll Encounter `sur les décrets`

Official Government Actions
📰

News Broadcast

Le gouvernement a annoncé de nouvelles mesures `sur les décrets`.

⚖️

Legal Document

Cette procédure est conforme `sur les décrets` en vigueur.

🏛️

Political Analysis

L'opposition critique l'application `sur les décrets` de l'exécutif.

📚

Academic Paper

L'étude examine l'impact `sur les décrets` fiscaux.

📢

Official Announcement

Les conditions d'application sont basées `sur les décrets`.

🗣️

Formal Debate

Nous devons respecter les décisions prises `sur les décrets`.

Comparing `sur les décrets` with Similar Phrases

`sur les décrets`
Direct basis Action directly stems from official government orders.
Executive Power Implies a top-down, official mandate.
`en vertu de la loi`
Legal Authority Action is legally justified, broader than just decrees.
General Legality Can refer to any law, not just specific decrees.
`conformément au règlement`
Compliance Action follows specific rules or regulations.
Internal Rules Often refers to internal company or organizational rules.

Contexts for `sur les décrets`

🏛️

Government & Politics

  • Legislation
  • Policy Implementation
  • Executive Orders
  • Public Administration
⚖️

Legal & Judicial

  • Legal Basis
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Judicial Decisions
  • Administrative Law
📰

News & Media

  • Reporting Official Actions
  • Analyzing Government Decisions
  • Public Announcements
💼

Formal Business

  • Corporate Policy Origin
  • Regulatory Adherence
  • Official Directives

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank beginner

Les nouvelles taxes sont basées ___ ___ ___ .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

`sur les décrets` is used here because it specifically refers to actions based on official government orders.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence correctly uses the phrase related to official orders?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les restrictions sanitaires sont `sur les décrets` gouvernementaux.

The correct sentence links public health restrictions directly to official government decrees, which is the intended use of the phrase.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

La nouvelle loi sur l'immigration est appliquée sur une décision du président.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: La nouvelle loi sur l'immigration est appliquée `sur les décrets` présidentiels.

The phrase `sur les décrets` specifically refers to official governmental orders, not just any decision. Using 'une décision' is too general.

Translate this sentence into French. Translate advanced

The company's new policy is based on official decrees.

Hints: Use 'basée sur' for 'based on'., Remember the plural for 'decrees'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: La nouvelle politique de l'entreprise est basée `sur les décrets` officiels.

This translation correctly uses `sur les décrets` to show the policy's official foundation.

Fill in the blank. Fill Blank intermediate

Les changements dans le système éducatif sont `sur les décrets` du ministère.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

This sentence requires a phrase indicating that the changes are directly mandated by official decrees from the ministry.

Find and fix the error. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

Il travaille sur les décrets concernant son projet personnel.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Il travaille sur les aspects de son projet qui sont liés aux décrets officiels.

The phrase `sur les décrets` is reserved for official government mandates, not personal projects. The correction clarifies the relationship to official decrees.

Put the words in the correct order. Reorder beginner

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

This reordering forms the correct phrase `sur les décrets`.

Choose the correct option. Choose beginner

Which phrase means 'based on official government orders'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sur les décrets

`sur les décrets` is the specific phrase used to indicate that something is based on official government decrees.

Translate this sentence. Translate intermediate

The enforcement is based on decrees from the previous administration.

Hints: 'Enforcement' can be 'application'., 'Previous administration' is 'administration précédente'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: L'application est basée `sur les décrets` de l'administration précédente.

This uses `sur les décrets` to connect the enforcement action to the specific decrees of a past government.

Match the phrase with its correct meaning. Match intermediate

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This exercise helps differentiate `sur les décrets` from similar legalistic phrases.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence. Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les nouvelles mesures sont sur les décrets.

This sentence correctly places `sur les décrets` to indicate the basis of the new measures.

Choose the sentence that best reflects the meaning of 'based on official decrees'. Choose advanced

Which sentence is the most accurate?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Les règles sont `sur les décrets` présidentiels.

Only the second option correctly links the rules to official presidential decrees, aligning with the phrase's formal and legalistic meaning.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

It literally translates to 'on the decrees.' In practice, it means that an action, rule, or situation is directly based on, or mandated by, an official government decree. Think of it as the legal foundation or the originating order for something happening.

Generally, no. sur les décrets is quite formal and typically found in news reports, legal documents, or discussions about government policy. You wouldn't usually use it when talking about casual rules among friends or family.

Certainly! If a new law about environmental protection is passed by the president, you could say, 'La nouvelle loi environnementale est basée sur les décrets présidentiels.' This clearly states the law originates from official presidential orders.

You'd use it when discussing official government actions, legal mandates, administrative policies, or any situation where a formal, legally binding order from an authority is the direct cause or basis for something.

Yes, avoid it for personal opinions, informal agreements, or rules made within a non-governmental group. Using it for something like 'my diet is based on decrees' would sound overly dramatic and misplaced.

It's considered quite formal. It belongs in contexts where precision and official language are important, like in journalism, legal settings, or official communications. It carries a sense of authority and seriousness.

sur les décrets refers specifically to official orders or decrees issued by the executive branch, which often have the force of law. sur les lois refers more broadly to legislation passed by the parliament or legislature, which is a different branch of government.

Yes, you might hear en vertu de la loi (by virtue of the law), which is broader, or conformément au décret (in accordance with the decree), which emphasizes compliance. Sur les décrets specifically highlights the decree itself as the source.

Absolutely. You can specify the level of government, such as sur les décrets municipaux (on municipal decrees) for city-level orders, or sur les décrets préfectoraux (on prefectural decrees) for regional administrative orders.

A frequent error is using it for general decisions or rules that aren't official decrees. For instance, saying 'my weekend plans are sur les décrets of my friends' is incorrect; it should be something like 'based on my friends' plans'.

Often, yes. Because decrees are official orders, using sur les décrets suggests that the resulting action or rule is mandatory or legally required. It carries a weight of obligation.

Basé sur (based on) is a general term. Sur les décrets is a specific type of 'basé sur,' indicating the foundation is an official government decree. It adds a layer of legal formality and authority.

Yes, sometimes humorously, like applying the term 'decree' to a very strict personal rule or a parent's command. However, this is informal and relies on context; the primary meaning remains formal and official.

The concept of decrees goes back to royal edicts and has evolved through French history. This phrase reflects a governance system where the executive branch can issue legally binding orders, a tradition deeply embedded in French administrative law.

While the phrase is typically sur les décrets (plural), you might occasionally see sur le décret (singular) if referring to one specific decree. However, actions are often based on multiple decrees or a body of decrees, making the plural more common.

Using it inappropriately, like for casual rules, can make your French sound overly formal or even comical. It might confuse listeners about whether you're referring to a genuine government mandate or something much less significant.

Saying 'Le menu du restaurant est sur les décrets du chef' is a mistake. The chef's decisions aren't decrees. You should say 'Le menu du restaurant est basé sur les idées du chef' or similar.

The vibe is serious, authoritative, and official. It implies a lack of personal choice or flexibility, as the action is dictated by a higher power. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if the decrees are unpopular.

Related Phrases

🔗

en vertu de la loi

related topic

By virtue of the law

This phrase also refers to legal justification but is broader than specific decrees, encompassing all forms of law.

🔗

conformément au décret

related topic

In accordance with the decree

This phrase focuses on compliance with a decree, whereas `sur les décrets` emphasizes the decree as the source or basis for an action.

🔗

en application de la loi

related topic

In application of the law

Similar to `sur les décrets`, this indicates an action based on legal provisions, but it refers to laws rather than specific executive orders.

🔗

les arrêtés

related topic

Orders / Directives (often ministerial or local)

This refers to a type of official order, similar to decrees but often at a lower administrative level (ministerial or local).

🔗

les ordonnances

related topic

Ordinances

This is another term for official legal texts, sometimes used interchangeably with decrees or for specific types of legislative acts.

🔗

basé sur

related topic

Based on

This is a general phrase for indicating a foundation or source, while `sur les décrets` is specific to official government orders.

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