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A2 verb 10 min read

empoisonner

Examples empoisonner in 30 Seconds
Explanation empoisonner in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'empoisonner': to poison. Think of it in the context of fairy tales (like the poisoned apple in Snow White) or basic warnings. You might not use the verb itself often, but you will recognize the word 'poison.' At this stage, just remember that 'empoisonner' is the action of giving poison. It is a regular '-er' verb, which is the easiest type of verb to learn in French. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Il empoisonne la pomme' (He poisons the apple). It's a 'heavy' word, so you won't hear it in every conversation, but it's very useful for understanding stories and basic health warnings. Remember the spelling: it starts with 'em-' because of the 'p' that follows. This is a good rule to learn early on!
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'empoisonner' in more realistic contexts, such as talking about the environment or health. You should be able to conjugate it in the present tense and the passé composé. You will also start to see its figurative meaning—how something can 'poison' an atmosphere or a relationship. For example, 'La pollution empoisonne la rivière' (Pollution poisons the river) is a typical A2 sentence. You should also be aware of the reflexive form 's'empoisonner' (to poison oneself), which is often used for accidental situations. At this level, you are building the foundation to describe cause and effect: 'He ate something bad, he poisoned himself.' It's also a great word to use when you want to express that something is very negative, like a bad mood ruining a party.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'empoisonner' figuratively to describe social and emotional situations. You can use it to talk about toxic relationships or bad work environments. A common expression you should master is 'empoisonner la vie de quelqu'un' (to make someone's life miserable). You can also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive: 'Il faut éviter que la jalousie n'empoisonne notre amitié' (We must prevent jealousy from poisoning our friendship). At this level, you should also distinguish between 'empoisonner' and 'intoxiquer.' You understand that 'empoisonner' often implies a more serious or even intentional harm, while 'intoxiquer' is more common for food-related issues. Your vocabulary is becoming more nuanced, allowing you to choose 'empoisonner' for dramatic effect.
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At the B2 level, you use 'empoisonner' to discuss abstract concepts, social issues, and politics. You might use it in an essay to describe how 'la corruption empoisonne le système politique' (corruption poisons the political system). You are expected to use the word with precision, recognizing its weight. You can handle the passive voice easily: 'L'esprit des citoyens est empoisonné par la propagande' (The citizens' minds are poisoned by propaganda). You also understand the historical and literary connotations of the word. You can use it to debate topics like environmental ethics or the impact of social media on mental health. Your usage of the word shows that you can connect physical concepts (toxins) to complex societal problems (distrust, corruption).
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At the C1 level, your use of 'empoisonner' is sophisticated and stylistically varied. You might use it in literary analysis or high-level professional reports. You understand the subtle differences between 'empoisonner,' 'vicier,' 'corrompre,' and 'dénaturer.' You can use the word to create powerful metaphors in your writing. For instance, you might write about how a single clause in a contract 'empoisonne' the entire agreement, leading to its eventual failure. You are also aware of the word's role in French history and culture, such as the 'Affaire des Poisons,' and can use this knowledge to add depth to your conversations. Your mastery of the verb's various registers—from the literal to the highly metaphorical—allows you to express complex ideas with clarity and flair.
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At the C2 level, 'empoisonner' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You use it with the ease of a native speaker, often employing it in subtle, ironic, or highly formal ways. You can discuss the 'empoisonnement' of public discourse with a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic implications. You might use the verb in a philosophical context, discussing how certain beliefs can 'poison' human potential. Your command of the word includes its most obscure synonyms and its most common idioms, used with perfect timing and context. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know how to wield it to influence, persuade, or describe the world with absolute precision. You can navigate the most complex texts where the word might be used in a highly specialized or archaic sense.
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Examples

empoisonner in 30 Seconds

  • Empoisonner is a regular -er verb meaning 'to poison' literally or 'to ruin/corrupt' figuratively. It is common in environmental and social contexts.
  • Use it for deliberate harm or serious contamination. In daily life, it often describes toxic relationships or bad moods that spoil an event.
  • Don't confuse it with 'intoxiquer,' which is better for accidental food poisoning. Empoisonner is stronger and often implies a deeper, more lasting damage.
  • Key idiom: 'empoisonner la vie de quelqu'un' means to make someone's life miserable. It's a very common way to express great frustration.

The French verb empoisonner is a powerful and evocative word that primarily means 'to poison.' At its most literal level, it refers to the act of administering a toxic substance to a living being or contaminating a resource like water or food with harmful chemicals. However, in the rich tapestry of the French language, its utility extends far beyond the laboratory or the crime novel. It is frequently employed in a figurative sense to describe the act of corrupting, ruining, or making a situation unbearable. When you say someone is 'empoisoning' the atmosphere of a meeting, you aren't accusing them of chemical warfare; you are saying their negative attitude is destroying the collective mood. This duality makes it an essential verb for learners reaching the A2 level and beyond, as it bridges the gap between concrete actions and abstract emotional descriptions.

Literal Usage
To give poison to a person or animal, or to contaminate something physically. Example: 'Le méchant a empoisonné le puits.'

Attention, ce produit chimique peut empoisonner les poissons de la rivière.

Figurative Usage
To corrupt the mind, ruin a relationship, or spoil an atmosphere. Example: 'Sa jalousie finit par empoisonner leur amitié.'

Historically, 'empoisonner' carries a weight of intrigue. In French history, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV, the 'Affaire des Poisons' made the word a household terror. Today, you might hear it in news reports concerning environmental pollution, where factories 'empoisonnent' the soil. It is also a staple of political discourse; a politician might claim that 'fake news' is 'empoisoning' the democratic debate. Understanding this word requires recognizing that French speakers often favor 'strong' verbs to express discontent. Instead of saying something is 'making things difficult,' they might say it is 'empoisoning life' (empoisonner la vie), adding a dramatic flair that is characteristic of the language's expressive nature.

Les mensonges de Pierre ont fini par empoisonner toute la discussion.

Environmental Context
Used to describe the negative impact of pollutants on the ecosystem. Example: 'Les pesticides empoisonnent les abeilles.'

In literature, from the tragedies of Racine to modern thrillers, 'empoisonner' is a key plot device. It suggests intent and malice. If you 'empoison' someone, it is usually seen as a deliberate, sneaky act. This differentiates it from 'tuer' (to kill), which is direct, or 'blesser' (to hurt), which might be accidental. When you use this word, you are often implying a slow, hidden process of destruction. This makes it particularly useful for describing toxic work environments or manipulative people who slowly 'poison' the minds of those around them with doubt or hatred.

Using empoisonner correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure as a transitive verb. This means it almost always takes a direct object—the thing or person being poisoned. Because it is a regular -er verb, its conjugation is straightforward, making it accessible for A2 learners. You will conjugate it like 'parler' or 'manger'. For example, in the present tense: 'Je m'empoisonne' (I am poisoning myself), 'Tu empoisonnes' (You are poisoning), 'Il empoisonne' (He is poisoning), and so on. In the passé composé, it uses the auxiliary 'avoir': 'J'ai empoisonné'.

Il a peur d'empoisonner ses invités avec des champignons sauvages.

Direct Object Pattern
[Subject] + [Conjugated Empoisonner] + [Direct Object]. Example: 'La pollution empoisonne l'air.'

One of the most common ways you'll use this word in daily life is in the expression 'empoisonner la vie de quelqu'un'. This translates to 'to make someone's life a misery' or 'to poison someone's life.' It's a very common way to complain about a neighbor, a colleague, or a persistent problem. For instance, 'Ces travaux dans la rue empoisonnent ma vie !' (This roadwork is making my life miserable!). Here, the verb moves from the realm of toxicology to the realm of daily annoyance and emotional distress. It's important to note that the object can be an abstract concept like 'l'esprit' (the mind) or 'les relations' (relationships).

Ne laisse pas tes regrets empoisonner ton présent.

Passive Voice
Using 'être empoisonné par'. Example: 'Le chien a été empoisonné par une plante toxique.'

In more formal or academic writing, 'empoisonner' is used to describe systemic issues. You might read about how corruption 'empoisonne l'économie' or how certain ideologies 'empoisonnent le débat public.' In these cases, the verb functions as a metaphor for a toxin that spreads through a system, causing decay and dysfunction. When writing, remember that 'empoisonner' is a strong word; using it correctly adds weight and seriousness to your French. If you want to say something is just 'bad' or 'unpleasant,' use 'nuire' or 'gâcher.' Reserve 'empoisonner' for when the impact is truly destructive or pervasive.

You will encounter empoisonner in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the mundane to the dramatic. In French news broadcasts, it is a frequent guest in segments about the environment. Reporters often talk about how industrial waste 'empoisonne les nappes phréatiques' (poisons the groundwater). This usage is literal but also serves as a call to action, highlighting the severity of the damage. If you are watching a French crime drama like 'Lupin' or 'Engrenages,' you might hear it in the context of a murder investigation involving a 'poisonneur' (poisoner). In these scenarios, the word is used with clinical precision.

Le journal rapporte que l'usine a empoisonné le sol pendant des années.

In the Kitchen
Used jokingly or seriously regarding bad cooking. Example: 'Tu veux nous empoisonner avec cette soupe ?' (Are you trying to poison us with this soup?)

In the workplace, the word is often heard in discussions about 'management toxique.' Employees might complain that a boss's behavior 'empoisonne l'ambiance de l'équipe.' This is a very common professional use of the word. Furthermore, in the world of French literature and philosophy, 'empoisonner' is used to discuss the corruption of youth or the soul. For example, Socrates was accused of 'empoisonner l'esprit des jeunes' (poisoning the minds of the young). Even in modern pop music, lyrics often use 'empoisonner' to describe a destructive love affair. It’s a word that captures the feeling of something beautiful turning deadly.

Arrête de te plaindre, tu es en train d'empoisonner toute la soirée.

Social Media
Used to describe 'trolls' or negative comments. 'Les réseaux sociaux empoisonnent parfois nos vies.'

Finally, you will hear it in historical documentaries. France has a long history of royal intrigue where poisoning was a common political tool. The word 'empoisonner' thus carries a historical resonance that many other verbs lack. When you hear it, it often triggers a sense of gravity. Whether it's a doctor discussing a 'patient empoisonné' or a friend complaining about a 'relation empoisonnée,' the word always signifies that a boundary has been crossed and harm has been done. It's a word of consequence.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with empoisonner is confusing it with 'intoxiquer.' While both can translate to 'poison' or 'intoxicate,' they are used differently in French. 'Empoisonner' usually implies the use of a 'poison' (a substance meant to kill or cause severe harm) and often carries a sense of malice or serious contamination. 'Intoxiquer,' on the other hand, is more medical and often refers to accidental poisoning, such as 'intoxication alimentaire' (food poisoning) or 'intoxication au monoxyde de carbone.' If you say you were 'empoisonné' by a bad oyster, it sounds like the oyster had a vendetta against you!

Incorrect: J'ai été empoisonné par ce restaurant. (Sounds like a murder attempt)

Empoisonner vs. Intoxiquer
Use 'empoisonner' for deliberate acts or serious environmental damage. Use 'intoxiquer' for medical conditions or food poisoning.

Another mistake is using 'empoisonner' when you simply mean 'to annoy.' While 'empoisonner la vie' is a common idiom, using the verb by itself to mean 'to bother' is too strong. If a fly is buzzing around your head, it is 'agaçant' (annoying), not 'empoisonnant.' Using 'empoisonner' in low-stakes situations can make you sound overly dramatic or like a character in a 19th-century novel. Additionally, learners often struggle with the reflexive form. 'S'empoisonner' is used when someone accidentally or intentionally takes poison themselves, but it is not used for getting drunk (that would be 's'enivrer').

Correct: La pollution empoisonne l'air de la ville.

Preposition Pitfall
Don't use 'avec' if the substance is the subject. 'Le gaz empoisonne l'air' (Correct). 'Le gaz empoisonne l'air avec sa toxicité' (Redundant).

Lastly, be careful with the spelling. It has a double 'm' (no, wait, it's 'em-' but only one 'm') and a double 'n'. The root is 'poison.' Many learners accidentally write 'enpoisonner' because of the 'en' prefix common in many French verbs. Remember: it's 'em-' before 'p'. This is a standard rule in French spelling (m before m, b, p). Mastering the spelling and the nuanced difference between it and its synonyms will significantly improve your fluency and prevent awkward misunderstandings in more serious conversations.

To expand your vocabulary beyond empoisonner, it's helpful to look at words that share its semantic space but offer different nuances. A very close relative is intoxiquer. As mentioned before, this is more clinical. If you are talking about fumes, chemicals in the blood, or bad food, 'intoxiquer' is often the better choice. Another alternative is contaminer. This is specifically used for the spread of bacteria, viruses, or radioactivity. You 'contaminate' a wound or a water supply, whereas you 'poison' a person. 'Contaminer' feels more scientific and less personal than 'empoisonner.'

Empoisonner vs. Contaminer
'Empoisonner' implies a toxin; 'Contaminer' implies an infectious agent or unwanted substance. 'L'eau est contaminée par des bactéries.'

La haine peut corrompre le cœur, tout comme le poison empoisonne le corps.

For figurative uses, you might consider corrompre (to corrupt) or vicier (to vitiate/taint). 'Corrompre' is perfect for talking about morals or politics. 'Vicier' is often used for air or legal processes—'un air vicié' is stale, unhealthy air. If you want to describe something that is just spoiling a good time, gâcher (to waste/spoil) or nuire à (to harm) are excellent, less intense alternatives. 'Tu gâches ma surprise' is much more natural than 'Tu empoisonnes ma surprise' unless the surprise was so badly ruined it felt like a disaster.

Other Related Verbs
'Infecter' (to infect), 'Polluer' (to pollute), 'Dénaturer' (to distort/denature).

Finally, consider infecter. While 'empoisonner' deals with toxins, 'infecter' deals with germs. However, figuratively, they can be close. 'Ses idées infectent tout le groupe' means his ideas are spreading like a disease. 'Ses idées empoisonnent tout le groupe' means his ideas are killing the group's health or spirit. The choice depends on whether you want to evoke the image of a spreading sickness or a deadly toxin. By choosing the right synonym, you can tailor your French to be more precise and impactful, showing a deeper grasp of the language's nuances.

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Examples by Level

1

La sorcière veut empoisonner la pomme.

The witch wants to poison the apple.

Simple subject + verb + object.

2

Il ne faut pas empoisonner les animaux.

One must not poison animals.

Negative structure 'ne faut pas'.

3

Le poison peut empoisonner l'eau.

The poison can poison the water.

Modal verb 'peut' + infinitive.

4

Elle a peur d'empoisonner son chat.

She is afraid of poisoning her cat.

Preposition 'de' before infinitive.

5

Attention, ce produit empoisonne !

Watch out, this product poisons!

Intransitive use as a general warning.

6

L'homme empoisonne le loup.

The man poisons the wolf.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

7

Ils empoisonnent la nourriture.

They are poisoning the food.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

8

Je ne veux pas empoisonner le jardin.

I don't want to poison the garden.

First person singular + negative.

1

La pollution empoisonne les rivières de France.

Pollution poisons the rivers of France.

Subject-verb agreement with 'la pollution'.

2

Il s'est empoisonné avec des champignons.

He poisoned himself with mushrooms.

Reflexive verb in passé composé.

3

Ces disputes empoisonnent l'ambiance à la maison.

These arguments are poisoning the atmosphere at home.

Figurative use of the verb.

4

Les usines empoisonnent l'air que nous respirons.

Factories poison the air we breathe.

Relative clause 'que nous respirons'.

5

Tu vas empoisonner tout le monde avec ce plat !

You're going to poison everyone with this dish!

Futur proche 'vas empoisonner'.

6

Le serpent a empoisonné le petit chien.

The snake poisoned the little dog.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

7

Elle ne veut pas empoisonner son esprit avec des soucis.

She doesn't want to poison her mind with worries.

Figurative use with 'esprit'.

8

Les pesticides empoisonnent les abeilles.

Pesticides poison the bees.

Plural subject and object.

1

Sa jalousie finit par empoisonner leur relation.

His jealousy ends up poisoning their relationship.

Verb 'finir par' + infinitive.

2

Il a peur que ce produit n'empoisonne le sol.

He is afraid that this product might poison the soil.

Subjunctive mood with 'peur que... ne'.

3

Le stress au travail empoisonne ma vie quotidienne.

Work stress is poisoning my daily life.

Common idiom 'empoisonner la vie'.

4

Les déchets toxiques ont empoisonné la nappe phréatique.

Toxic waste has poisoned the groundwater.

Technical vocabulary 'nappe phréatique'.

5

Elle s'empoisonne l'existence avec ses regrets.

She is poisoning her own existence with her regrets.

Reflexive figurative use.

6

On a découvert qu'il essayait d'empoisonner son rival.

They discovered he was trying to poison his rival.

Imperfect tense 'essayait'.

7

Ce climat de méfiance empoisonne les négociations.

This climate of distrust is poisoning the negotiations.

Abstract subject 'climat de méfiance'.

8

Ne laisse pas la colère empoisonner ton cœur.

Don't let anger poison your heart.

Imperative 'ne laisse pas'.

1

La corruption empoisonne les institutions du pays.

Corruption poisons the country's institutions.

Institutional/Political context.

2

Certains prétendent que les médias empoisonnent le débat public.

Some claim that the media is poisoning public debate.

Complex sentence with 'prétendent que'.

3

L'usage excessif d'engrais a fini par empoisonner la terre.

The excessive use of fertilizer ended up poisoning the land.

Compound subject and past infinitive.

4

Il est tragique de voir comment la haine empoisonne la jeunesse.

It is tragic to see how hatred poisons youth.

Impersonal construction 'Il est tragique de'.

5

Cette affaire d'espionnage a empoisonné les relations diplomatiques.

This espionage case poisoned diplomatic relations.

Diplomatic context.

6

Le mercure a empoisonné toute la chaîne alimentaire.

Mercury has poisoned the entire food chain.

Scientific/Environmental context.

7

Les rumeurs peuvent empoisonner la réputation d'un homme.

Rumors can poison a man's reputation.

Abstract object 'réputation'.

8

S'empoisonner à petit feu avec de mauvaises habitudes.

To poison oneself slowly with bad habits.

Idiom 'à petit feu' (slowly).

1

L'idéologie extrémiste empoisonne insidieusement le tissu social.

Extremist ideology insidiously poisons the social fabric.

Use of the adverb 'insidieusement'.

2

Ce ressentiment accumulé risque d'empoisonner ses vieux jours.

This accumulated resentment risks poisoning his old age.

Expression 'vieux jours' (old age).

3

L'air vicié de la mine a fini par empoisonner les poumons des ouvriers.

The tainted air of the mine eventually poisoned the workers' lungs.

Use of 'vicié' (tainted/stale).

4

Il ne faut pas que le cynisme empoisonne votre vision du monde.

You must not let cynicism poison your worldview.

Subjunctive after 'Il ne faut pas que'.

5

Le scandale a empoisonné l'atmosphère de la campagne électorale.

The scandal poisoned the atmosphere of the election campaign.

Metaphorical use in politics.

6

Les métaux lourds empoisonnent durablement l'écosystème marin.

Heavy metals are permanently poisoning the marine ecosystem.

Adverb 'durablement' (lastingly/permanently).

7

La suspicion généralisée empoisonne tout effort de coopération.

Generalized suspicion poisons every effort at cooperation.

Abstract subject and object.

8

S'empoisonner l'esprit avec des théories du complot.

To poison one's mind with conspiracy theories.

Reflexive use with abstract object.

1

Le venin de la calomnie empoisonne les âmes les plus pures.

The venom of slander poisons even the purest souls.

Highly literary/poetic style.

2

Une seule clause malveillante peut empoisonner l'intégralité du contrat.

A single malicious clause can poison the entirety of the contract.

Legal/Professional metaphor.

3

L'amertume a fini par empoisonner chaque fibre de son être.

Bitterness eventually poisoned every fiber of his being.

Existential/Metaphorical use.

4

L'industrialisation galopante a empoisonné des régions entières.

Galloping industrialization has poisoned entire regions.

Use of the adjective 'galopante'.

5

Il est à craindre que ces révélations n'empoisonnent le verdict.

It is to be feared that these revelations might poison the verdict.

Expletive 'ne' in a fearful construction.

6

Le doute s'est insinué en lui, empoisonnant ses moindres pensées.

Doubt crept into him, poisoning his every thought.

Present participle 'empoisonnant'.

7

La trahison a empoisonné la source même de leur amitié.

Betrayal poisoned the very source of their friendship.

Metaphorical use of 'source'.

8

On ne saurait empoisonner le peuple avec de telles promesses fallacieuses.

One cannot poison the people with such fallacious promises.

Use of 'on ne saurait' (one could not).

Common Collocations

empoisonner l'atmosphère
empoisonner la vie
empoisonner l'esprit
empoisonner la rivière
empoisonner le débat
s'empoisonner accidentellement
empoisonner les relations
empoisonner le sol
empoisonner la nourriture
empoisonner à petit feu

Common Phrases

C'est empoisonnant !

— It's extremely annoying or bothersome. Used to express high frustration.

Ce retard de train, c'est vraiment empoisonnant !

Empoisonner le puits

— To preemptively attack an opponent's character. Often used in logic/debate.

En critiquant son passé, il essaie d'empoisonner le puits avant qu'elle ne parle.

Se laisser empoisonner

— To let oneself be affected by negative thoughts or people.

Ne te laisse pas empoisonner par ses critiques.

Empoisonner les cœurs

— To spread hatred or resentment among people.

Ce discours de haine ne fait qu'empoisonner les cœurs.

Empoisonner d'un regard

— To look at someone with intense hatred (literary).

Elle l'a empoisonné d'un regard glacial.

Empoisonner le futur

— To take actions now that will ruin things later.

L'endettement excessif empoisonne le futur de nos enfants.

Empoisonner le présent

— To ruin the current moment with worries or regrets.

Tes regrets sont en train d'empoisonner ton présent.

Un cadeau empoisonné

— A poisoned chalice; something that seems good but has bad consequences.

Cette promotion est un cadeau empoisonné avec toutes ces responsabilités.

Empoisonner la jeunesse

— To corrupt the minds of young people.

On l'accuse d'empoisonner la jeunesse avec ses idées révolutionnaires.

Empoisonner la paix

— To disturb or ruin a peaceful situation.

Cette nouvelle dispute vient empoisonner la paix de la famille.

Idioms & Expressions

"Empoisonner la vie de quelqu'un"

— To make someone's life a living hell or very difficult.

Mon voisin empoisonne ma vie avec sa musique forte.

common
"Un cadeau empoisonné"

— A gift or offer that brings more trouble than benefit.

Hériter de cette vieille maison en ruine est un cadeau empoisonné.

common
"Empoisonner à petit feu"

— To destroy someone or something slowly and insidiously.

Le stress l'empoisonne à petit feu.

metaphorical
"L'air est empoisonné"

— The atmosphere is tense and hostile.

Depuis leur rupture, l'air est empoisonné au bureau.

figurative
"Empoisonner ses jours"

— To spend one's time in misery or bitterness.

Il empoisonne ses jours à ruminer le passé.

literary
"Empoisonner la source"

— To destroy something at its very beginning or origin.

La méfiance a empoisonné la source de leur collaboration.

metaphorical
"Boire le poison"

— To accept something harmful or to suffer the consequences of a bad choice.

Il a fini par boire le poison de sa propre jalousie.

literary
"Empoisonner l'opinion"

— To manipulate or mislead the public mind.

Ces mensonges visent à empoisonner l'opinion publique.

political
"Empoisonner le sang"

— To cause great anger or irritation (archaic/figurative).

Cette injustice me empoisonne le sang.

old-fashioned
"Se mordre au poison"

— To get caught in one's own trap or negativity.

À force de mentir, il finit par se mordre au poison de ses fables.

metaphorical
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