In 15 Seconds
- Means taking someone or something for granted.
- Used for assumptions about people, rights, or situations.
- The word 'acquis' must agree with the gender/number.
Meaning
This phrase actually means 'to take for granted.' It’s what you say when you assume something will always be there without questioning it or showing appreciation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a relationship
Il ne faut jamais tenir son partenaire pour acquis.
One should never take their partner for granted.
Discussing job security
Rien n'est jamais tenu pour acquis dans cette entreprise.
Nothing is ever taken for granted in this company.
Texting a friend about health
On tient souvent notre santé pour acquise jusqu'à ce qu'on tombe malade.
We often take our health for granted until we get sick.
Cultural Background
The term 'les acquis sociaux' is a pillar of French identity. It refers to rights like the 35-hour work week and universal healthcare. To 'tenir pour acquis' these rights is seen as a dangerous lack of civic vigilance. In Quebec, 'prendre pour acquis' is the dominant form due to the proximity of English. While linguists might prefer 'tenir', you will sound perfectly natural using 'prendre' in Montreal. In many African French-speaking countries, the phrase is used frequently in formal education and administration to discuss established facts or traditional values that are 'acquis' (settled). Similar to France, but often used in the context of complex political compromises. When a deal is made between regions, it is 'tenu pour acquis' until the next negotiation.
The 'E' is key
Always check if the thing you are taking for granted is feminine. If it's 'la liberté', say 'acquise'. It makes you sound much more advanced!
France vs Quebec
If you are taking an official French exam (like DELF), use 'tenir'. If you are chatting in a bar in Montreal, 'prendre' is fine.
In 15 Seconds
- Means taking someone or something for granted.
- Used for assumptions about people, rights, or situations.
- The word 'acquis' must agree with the gender/number.
What It Means
Imagine you have a favorite bakery. You assume they will always have your croissant ready. That is tenir pour acquis. It describes the act of assuming something is a permanent fact. You aren't being mean. You are just being human. We all do it with health, friends, or wifi. It is about expectations that have become invisible habits.
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb. The word acquis changes if the object is feminine or plural. If you take your girlfriend for granted, you say je la tiens pour acquise. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it for objects, people, or abstract ideas. It sounds natural and sophisticated. It shows you understand the nuances of human relationships.
When To Use It
Use it when you feel unappreciated. It is perfect for a deep talk with a partner. You can also use it in a professional setting. Maybe a client is ignoring your hard work. It works well in self-reflection too. Tell a friend you realized you were taking your luck for granted. It is great for any moment involving gratitude or assumptions.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for physical objects you are literally holding. If you are holding a bag, use tenir. This phrase is strictly for mental assumptions. Also, avoid it in very high-stress emergencies. It is a bit too 'thinky' for a crisis. It is a reflective phrase, not an action-oriented one. Keep it for conversations about attitudes and perspectives.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on awareness and 'art de vivre.' Taking things for granted is seen as a lack of presence. There is a philosophical edge to this expression. It suggests that nothing in life is truly permanent. By naming the behavior, you are calling for more mindfulness. It is a very 'French' way to discuss emotional intelligence.
Common Variations
You might hear prendre pour acquis. This is very common but technically a 'calque' from English. Purists prefer tenir pour acquis. You can also say c'est un acquis to describe a hard-won right. For example, paid vacation is un acquis social. It implies something that was earned and should now be protected.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and versatile. The main 'gotcha' is the grammatical agreement of 'acquis' with the object being described.
The 'E' is key
Always check if the thing you are taking for granted is feminine. If it's 'la liberté', say 'acquise'. It makes you sound much more advanced!
France vs Quebec
If you are taking an official French exam (like DELF), use 'tenir'. If you are chatting in a bar in Montreal, 'prendre' is fine.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Je ne tiens rien pour acquis' is a great way to show you are hardworking and not arrogant.
Examples
6Il ne faut jamais tenir son partenaire pour acquis.
One should never take their partner for granted.
A classic piece of relationship advice.
Rien n'est jamais tenu pour acquis dans cette entreprise.
Nothing is ever taken for granted in this company.
Used here to mean nothing is guaranteed.
On tient souvent notre santé pour acquise jusqu'à ce qu'on tombe malade.
We often take our health for granted until we get sick.
A relatable, everyday observation.
Vous tenez mon travail pour acquis, et cela doit changer.
You are taking my work for granted, and that needs to change.
Assertive but professional.
Mon chat tient ses croquettes pour acquises, il ne dit même plus merci !
My cat takes his kibble for granted, he doesn't even say thank you anymore!
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation.
La paix est un trésor qu'on ne doit pas tenir pour acquis.
Peace is a treasure that we must not take for granted.
Used in a more profound, societal context.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'acquis' (acquis, acquise, acquis, acquises).
Elle ne veut plus être tenue pour ________.
The object is 'Elle' (feminine singular), so 'acquise' must agree.
Which verb is preferred in France for this idiom?
________ pour acquis.
In France, 'Tenir pour acquis' is the standard form; 'Prendre' is considered an anglicism.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. 'On tient la démocratie pour acquise.' 2. 'Je tiens pour acquis que tu as lu le mail.'
The first refers to a social right, the second to a workplace assumption.
Fill in the missing phrase.
Marc: 'Pourquoi tu es fâchée ?' Sophie: 'Parce que tu ne me dis jamais merci. Tu me ________ !'
Sophie is feminine, so 'acquise' is required, and 'tenir' is the standard verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesElle ne veut plus être tenue pour ________.
The object is 'Elle' (feminine singular), so 'acquise' must agree.
________ pour acquis.
In France, 'Tenir pour acquis' is the standard form; 'Prendre' is considered an anglicism.
1. 'On tient la démocratie pour acquise.' 2. 'Je tiens pour acquis que tu as lu le mail.'
The first refers to a social right, the second to a workplace assumption.
Marc: 'Pourquoi tu es fâchée ?' Sophie: 'Parce que tu ne me dis jamais merci. Tu me ________ !'
Sophie is feminine, so 'acquise' is required, and 'tenir' is the standard verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's very versatile.
Yes, this is very common in romantic contexts to mean 'taking someone for granted'.
'Acquis' is something you have gained or assumed. 'Acquit' is related to paying a debt or a legal acquittal. They sound the same but are spelled differently.
Use 'Je tiens pour acquis que...'. In this case, 'acquis' does not change its ending.
Not a direct one, but you might say 'Tu m'as cru(e) arrivé(e) ?' (Do you think I'm already won over?) to express a similar feeling.
Usually, it's used for positive things that we stop appreciating, or neutral facts. We don't usually 'take for granted' that something bad will happen; we 'expect' it.
Related Phrases
aller de soi
similarTo be self-evident or go without saying.
prendre pour argent comptant
similarTo take something at face value / believe it without questioning.
s'attendre à
builds onTo expect something.
remettre en question
contrastTo challenge or question something.
