Meaning
A short period of unpleasantness or difficulty.
Cultural Background
The French often use this to describe professional reprimands. The usage is identical to France, often used in school settings. Commonly used in both French-speaking regions for social discomfort. Used in formal business settings to describe tense negotiations.
Don't count the minutes
Don't worry if the situation lasts 10 or 20 minutes. The phrase is about the feeling, not the clock.
Avoid chronic issues
If you are talking about a long-term problem, use 'une période difficile' instead.
Meaning
A short period of unpleasantness or difficulty.
Don't count the minutes
Don't worry if the situation lasts 10 or 20 minutes. The phrase is about the feeling, not the clock.
Avoid chronic issues
If you are talking about a long-term problem, use 'une période difficile' instead.
Use with 'passer'
The verb 'passer' is your best friend with this idiom.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Après avoir cassé le vase, j'ai passé un ___________ avec ma mère.
The idiom requires the full phrase 'mauvais quart d'heure'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the correct usage.
'Quart' is masculine, and the full idiom is required.
Match the situation to the feeling.
You are about to be scolded by your boss. What are you having?
This phrase is specifically for short, unpleasant, high-pressure situations.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesAprès avoir cassé le vase, j'ai passé un ___________ avec ma mère.
The idiom requires the full phrase 'mauvais quart d'heure'.
Select the correct usage.
'Quart' is masculine, and the full idiom is required.
You are about to be scolded by your boss. What are you having?
This phrase is specifically for short, unpleasant, high-pressure situations.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a figurative expression for a short, unpleasant time.
No, it is for social or professional stress, not physical pain.
It is neutral and can be used in most contexts.
It comes from historical associations with 15-minute intervals in legal or debt contexts.
No, you must include 'd'heure'.
Yes, 'a rough patch' or 'a tough time'.
Use the verb 'passer' and conjugate that.
Yes, it is common in all French-speaking regions.
No, it's for short, intense moments.
You can say 'j'ai passé un très mauvais quart d'heure'.
Related Phrases
Passer un sale quart d'heure
similarA very bad quarter of an hour
Le quart d'heure de vérité
similarThe moment of truth
Passer un mauvais moment
similarTo have a bad time
Être sur le gril
similarTo be on the grill
