un déraisonnable consigne
a déraisonnable consigne
Literally: an unreasonable instruction
In 15 Seconds
- An instruction or rule that makes no logical sense.
- Used to complain about unfair work tasks or bureaucracy.
- Highlights the gap between expectations and reality.
Meaning
This phrase describes a rule, order, or instruction that is completely illogical, unfair, or impossible to follow. It’s the perfect way to describe those 'are you kidding me?' moments at work or in administrative settings.
Key Examples
3 of 6Complaining to a coworker
Le patron veut le rapport pour hier, c'est une consigne déraisonnable.
The boss wants the report by yesterday; it's an unreasonable instruction.
At the airport
Vider toute ma trousse de toilette ? Quelle consigne déraisonnable !
Emptying my whole toiletry bag? What an unreasonable instruction!
Texting a classmate
Lire 200 pages pour demain, c'est une consigne déraisonnable de la part du prof.
Reading 200 pages for tomorrow is an unreasonable instruction from the teacher.
Cultural Background
The French have a specific type of strike called 'la grève du zèle' (work-to-rule). Instead of stopping work, employees follow every single 'consigne'—even the 'déraisonnables' ones—to the letter. This causes massive delays and proves that the system only works when people use their own judgment to bypass bad rules. In Quebec, 'consigne' is also very frequently used for the deposit on bottles and cans. While 'une consigne déraisonnable' could technically mean an expensive bottle deposit, it is still used in the European sense for work orders. In modern French management (le management à la française), there is a growing tension between 'process' and 'reality'. Using this phrase is a common way for middle managers to signal to their teams that they agree a rule is stupid, but their hands are tied. The 'Laissez-passer A38' from the Asterix movie 'The Twelve Tasks of Asterix' is the ultimate cultural touchstone for 'une consigne déraisonnable'. It represents the circular, impossible logic of bureaucracy.
Use it to sound professional
Instead of saying 'C'est stupide' (which is aggressive), say 'C'est une consigne déraisonnable'. It shifts the blame to the logic of the rule rather than the person.
Gender Trap
Remember that 'consigne' is feminine. Even if the person giving the order is a man, it's still 'UNE consigne'.
In 15 Seconds
- An instruction or rule that makes no logical sense.
- Used to complain about unfair work tasks or bureaucracy.
- Highlights the gap between expectations and reality.
What It Means
Imagine your boss asks you to finish a month-long project by tomorrow morning. That is une consigne déraisonnable. This phrase refers to any directive that lacks common sense or ignores reality. It is about the gap between what is asked and what is actually possible. You use it when you feel a rule is pushing you too far. It carries a sense of frustration and disbelief. It is not just a 'hard' task; it is a 'stupid' or 'unfair' one.
How To Use It
In French, consigne is a feminine noun. Even though you might see it used incorrectly elsewhere, always use une and keep the adjective déraisonnable. You usually place the adjective after the noun for emphasis. You can say, "C’est une consigne déraisonnable" to express your annoyance. It works as a standalone complaint or as part of a longer explanation. You can also use it to describe safety protocols or school rules. It’s a very versatile way to vent about authority.
When To Use It
This phrase is a lifesaver in professional environments. Use it when discussing unrealistic deadlines with colleagues. It is also common in educational settings when a teacher gives a strange assignment. You will hear it often in French administration offices—like at the prefecture or the bank. It is perfect for texting a friend about a parent's weird house rules. Basically, use it whenever logic has left the building.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a simple favor or a logical request. If your partner asks you to take out the trash, that is not une consigne déraisonnable. It is also too formal for very casual slang contexts; in those cases, you might just say "c’est n’importe quoi." Avoid using it directly to a superior unless you have a very open relationship. It is a critique of their judgment, after all. Use it to describe the rule, not the person.
Cultural Background
France is famous for its love of rules and its even greater love for complaining about them. The French bureaucracy is legendary for having specific, sometimes contradictory instructions. This phrase captures the spirit of the 'râleur' (the grumbler). It reflects a culture that values critical thinking over blind obedience. When a Frenchman calls a rule déraisonnable, he is exercising his right to question the system. It is a very common sentiment in the 'métro-boulot-dodo' (commute-work-sleep) routine.
Common Variations
You will often hear un ordre absurde for something even more extreme. Une règle insensée is another common synonym that means 'a senseless rule.' If you want to sound a bit more formal, you could use une exigence démesurée. For a more casual vibe, people might just say une consigne bidon. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor of annoyance to your complaint.
Usage Notes
Always ensure the feminine agreement (`une`). This phrase is perfect for B2 learners because it shows you can express complex opinions on logic and authority in a neutral-to-formal register.
Use it to sound professional
Instead of saying 'C'est stupide' (which is aggressive), say 'C'est une consigne déraisonnable'. It shifts the blame to the logic of the rule rather than the person.
Gender Trap
Remember that 'consigne' is feminine. Even if the person giving the order is a man, it's still 'UNE consigne'.
The 'Non' Culture
In France, saying 'C'est une consigne déraisonnable' is often the start of a healthy negotiation, not the end of the conversation.
Examples
6Le patron veut le rapport pour hier, c'est une consigne déraisonnable.
The boss wants the report by yesterday; it's an unreasonable instruction.
Used here to highlight an impossible deadline.
Vider toute ma trousse de toilette ? Quelle consigne déraisonnable !
Emptying my whole toiletry bag? What an unreasonable instruction!
Expressing frustration with security protocols.
Lire 200 pages pour demain, c'est une consigne déraisonnable de la part du prof.
Reading 200 pages for tomorrow is an unreasonable instruction from the teacher.
Informal venting about schoolwork.
Mon chat a une consigne déraisonnable : je dois le nourrir à 4h du matin.
My cat has an unreasonable instruction: I have to feed him at 4 AM.
Applying a formal-sounding phrase to a silly domestic situation.
Fournir dix justificatifs de domicile est une consigne déraisonnable.
Providing ten proofs of residence is an unreasonable instruction.
Classic critique of French bureaucracy.
Nous devons signaler que cette consigne déraisonnable risque de bloquer la production.
We must point out that this unreasonable instruction risks blocking production.
Using the phrase to professionally flag a systemic issue.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Le directeur nous a imposé ____ ____ ____ en nous demandant de travailler sans électricité.
'Consigne' is feminine singular, so we use 'une' and 'déraisonnable' without an 's'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Which situation best describes 'une consigne déraisonnable'?
This is illogical and impossible, fitting the definition perfectly.
Complete the dialogue.
Employé : 'On doit porter une cravate même pendant la canicule ?' Manager : 'C'est le nouveau règlement.' Employé : 'C'est vraiment ____ ____ ____.'
Wearing a tie during a heatwave is illogical and uncomfortable, making it 'déraisonnable'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesLe directeur nous a imposé ____ ____ ____ en nous demandant de travailler sans électricité.
'Consigne' is feminine singular, so we use 'une' and 'déraisonnable' without an 's'.
Which situation best describes 'une consigne déraisonnable'?
This is illogical and impossible, fitting the definition perfectly.
Employé : 'On doit porter une cravate même pendant la canicule ?' Manager : 'C'est le nouveau règlement.' Employé : 'C'est vraiment ____ ____ ____.'
Wearing a tie during a heatwave is illogical and uncomfortable, making it 'déraisonnable'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUsually, we use 'une loi injuste' or 'une loi absurde'. 'Consigne' is better for specific instructions within an organization.
Yes, but it specifically emphasizes the lack of 'raison' (reason/logic).
No, it is formal and critical. It is much more polite than calling someone's idea 'bête' or 'idiote'.
Yes, that is a perfect synonym, though 'consigne' sounds slightly more bureaucratic.
Related Phrases
suivre à la lettre
similarTo follow instructions exactly, without any flexibility.
un abus de pouvoir
builds onAn abuse of power.
le bon sens
contrastCommon sense.
faire du zèle
similarTo be over-zealous in following rules.
