In 15 Seconds
- Having a past scandal that ruins your current reputation.
- Like dragging noisy metal pots behind you everywhere you go.
- Commonly used for politicians or people with messy histories.
Meaning
It describes someone who is haunted by a past scandal or a bad reputation that follows them everywhere. Imagine trying to walk quietly while dragging a bunch of noisy metal pots tied to your ankles—that's the vibe.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a politician on the news
Ce candidat traîne trop de casseroles pour gagner l'élection.
This candidate is carrying too much baggage to win the election.
Gossiping about a new boss
Il paraît qu'il traîne une sacrée casserole de son ancien job.
Apparently, he's got a major scandal following him from his old job.
Texting a friend about a bad date
J'ai googlé son nom... il traîne des casseroles, c'est l'horreur !
I googled his name... he has a past, it's a nightmare!
Cultural Background
In France, the term is almost inseparable from political life. Every election cycle, investigative media outlets like 'Le Canard Enchaîné' publish lists of 'casseroles' for each candidate. In Quebec, the term 'casserole' took on a very literal political meaning during the 2012 student protests ('Printemps Érable'), where people banged pots in the streets. While the idiom is understood, the literal 'casserolade' is a strong cultural memory. Belgian French uses the idiom similarly to France, often in the context of the complex coalition politics where past scandals can block a party from entering a government. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, the phrase is used in local newspapers to describe corruption in the administration, often with a very colorful and direct tone.
Use it for Politics
If you want to sound like a native while discussing French news, this is the #1 phrase to use for scandals.
Not for Tiredness
Remember, 'traîner' can mean 'to hang out' or 'to be slow,' but with 'casseroles,' it ONLY means scandals.
In 15 Seconds
- Having a past scandal that ruins your current reputation.
- Like dragging noisy metal pots behind you everywhere you go.
- Commonly used for politicians or people with messy histories.
What It Means
Think of a dog with a tin can tied to its tail. Every step it takes, the can clatters. In French, traîner des casseroles means you have a messy past. It usually refers to a professional or political scandal. It is something you cannot hide. The noise follows you into every new room. It is not about a small mistake. It is about a reputation that sticks like burnt caramel.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone traîne une casserole (singular) for one specific event. Or you can say they traînent des casseroles (plural) if their history is a disaster. You usually use it with the verb traîner (to drag). It is perfect for talking about public figures. It also works for that one colleague who always ruins projects.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing politics or office gossip. It is great for a coffee break chat. If a politician is running for office but had a tax scandal, they are traînant une casserole. You can use it when a friend brings up an ex-boyfriend who was a nightmare. It fits perfectly when someone's past actions are affecting their current success. It adds a bit of descriptive flair to your storytelling.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical objects. If you are literally moving kitchenware, just say you are carrying them. Avoid using it in very formal legal documents. It is a bit too colorful for a courtroom. Also, do not use it for minor, cute mistakes. If you tripped once in high school, that is not a casserole. A casserole is heavy and loud.
Cultural Background
This phrase became very popular in French political journalism. In the early 20th century, the image of a dog with a pan tied to its tail was common in cartoons. It represented someone being chased by their own shame. The French love a good political scandal. This phrase captures the drama perfectly. It suggests that the past is never truly gone. It just waits to make noise at the worst time.
Common Variations
You might hear avoir une casserole aux fesses. This is more vulgar. It literally means having a saucepan at your backside. Another version is traîner un boulet. This means dragging a ball and chain. While a boulet is just a burden, a casserole is specifically about a public reputation. Stick to the saucepan version for the best balance of imagery and impact.
Usage Notes
This is a metaphorical expression used mostly in social and political contexts. It is informal to neutral; you'll hear it on the news but rarely in a legal brief.
Use it for Politics
If you want to sound like a native while discussing French news, this is the #1 phrase to use for scandals.
Not for Tiredness
Remember, 'traîner' can mean 'to hang out' or 'to be slow,' but with 'casseroles,' it ONLY means scandals.
The Singular Version
You can say 'Il traîne UNE casserole' if there is only one specific event everyone remembers.
Examples
6Ce candidat traîne trop de casseroles pour gagner l'élection.
This candidate is carrying too much baggage to win the election.
Refers to multiple past scandals hindering a campaign.
Il paraît qu'il traîne une sacrée casserole de son ancien job.
Apparently, he's got a major scandal following him from his old job.
Used to describe a specific professional failure.
J'ai googlé son nom... il traîne des casseroles, c'est l'horreur !
I googled his name... he has a past, it's a nightmare!
Informal use regarding personal history found online.
Moi ? Je ne traîne pas de casseroles, je traîne toute une cuisine !
Me? I don't just have baggage, I have the whole kitchen!
A play on words to exaggerate one's own mistakes.
L'entreprise traîne cette casserole depuis la pollution de la rivière.
The company has been haunted by this scandal since the river pollution.
Shows that organizations, not just people, can have 'casseroles'.
Fais attention, si tu rates ce projet, tu vas traîner cette casserole longtemps.
Be careful, if you fail this project, it will haunt you for a long time.
Using the phrase as a warning about future reputation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Ce ministre ne peut pas être nommé Premier ministre car il ________ trop de ________.
The idiom is 'traîner des casseroles'.
What does this phrase mean in this context?
« Julie traîne une sacrée casserole depuis son divorce. »
In this context, it refers to the social 'noise' or scandal following her divorce.
Match the French idiom with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
While not identical, they are the closest functional equivalents for discussing a shameful past.
Choose the best response to complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi est-ce que personne ne veut voter pour lui ? B: C'est simple, il ________.
The phrase explains why people wouldn't trust or vote for him due to past scandals.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCe ministre ne peut pas être nommé Premier ministre car il ________ trop de ________.
The idiom is 'traîner des casseroles'.
« Julie traîne une sacrée casserole depuis son divorce. »
In this context, it refers to the social 'noise' or scandal following her divorce.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
While not identical, they are the closest functional equivalents for discussing a shameful past.
A: Pourquoi est-ce que personne ne veut voter pour lui ? B: C'est simple, il ________.
The phrase explains why people wouldn't trust or vote for him due to past scandals.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt's not an insult to the person's face, but it is a very negative description of their history. It implies they are untrustworthy or 'dirty'.
Yes, if you are being humble or self-deprecating about your past. 'Je traîne quelques casseroles de ma jeunesse.'
Not always. It can be a moral scandal, a big professional failure, or even just a very bad reputation for being difficult to work with.
'Avoir des dossiers sur quelqu'un' means you have 'dirt' or evidence against them. 'Traîner des casseroles' is the state of that dirt being public and following the person.
Only if you are explaining your own past in a slightly informal way. Don't use it to talk about your former boss unless you want to sound like a gossip.
Related Phrases
avoir un cadavre dans le placard
similarTo have a skeleton in the closet.
être mouillé dans une affaire
relatedTo be involved/implicated in a scandal.
avoir une ardoise
similarTo have an unpaid debt or a 'tab'.
être blanc comme neige
contrastTo be as white as snow (innocent).
