Significado
To say or do something controversial that causes a stir.
Contexto cultural
The 'pavé' is a symbol of Paris. The city's history is written in its paving stones, from the barricades of the Revolution to the student protests of 1968. Journalists love this phrase. It is used almost daily in political analysis to describe a 'coup d'éclat' or a provocative statement. There is a cultural value placed on 'l'esprit de contradiction'. Throwing a 'pavé' is often seen as a sign of critical thinking. The phrase is also used in Quebec, though sometimes 'lancer une bombe' is preferred in more casual settings.
Use it in Business
It's a great way to describe a disruptive innovation or a bold strategic move in a professional French context.
Don't say 'Mer'
Remember it's 'mare' (pond), not 'mer' (sea). A stone in the sea is invisible; in a pond, it's a disaster!
Significado
To say or do something controversial that causes a stir.
Use it in Business
It's a great way to describe a disruptive innovation or a bold strategic move in a professional French context.
Don't say 'Mer'
Remember it's 'mare' (pond), not 'mer' (sea). A stone in the sea is invisible; in a pond, it's a disaster!
The 'Pavé' weight
In France, the word 'pavé' also refers to a very thick book. If a book is both thick and controversial, it's a double 'pavé'!
Teste-se
Complétez la phrase avec les mots corrects.
Son intervention a jeté un ______ dans la ______.
L'expression idiomatique exacte est 'un pavé dans la mare'.
Quelle est la signification de cette expression ?
Quand on jette un pavé dans la mare, on...
L'expression souligne l'aspect provocateur et perturbateur de l'action.
Choisissez la meilleure réponse pour finir le dialogue.
A: 'Je vais dire au patron que personne n'aime son idée.' B: 'Fais attention, c'est...'
On utilise l'infinitif après 'c'est' pour décrire l'action.
Associez la situation à l'expression.
Un ministre révèle un scandale financier caché depuis 10 ans.
C'est une révélation qui perturbe un calme apparent.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Pavé vs. Pied dans le plat
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosSon intervention a jeté un ______ dans la ______.
L'expression idiomatique exacte est 'un pavé dans la mare'.
Quand on jette un pavé dans la mare, on...
L'expression souligne l'aspect provocateur et perturbateur de l'action.
A: 'Je vais dire au patron que personne n'aime son idée.' B: 'Fais attention, c'est...'
On utilise l'infinitif après 'c'est' pour décrire l'action.
Un ministre révèle un scandale financier caché depuis 10 ans.
C'est une révélation qui perturbe un calme apparent.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot necessarily. While it causes trouble, it's often seen as a necessary disruption to fix a stagnant situation.
Yes, 'lancer un pavé dans la mare' is perfectly correct and slightly more formal.
The closest are 'to throw a cat among the pigeons' or 'to drop a bombshell'.
Yes, it's a high-level idiom that shows great command of figurative French.
Usually yes, but an event or a report can also 'jeter un pavé dans la mare'.
In literal terms, it's used for small ponds. In figurative terms, it's almost exclusively used in this idiom.
A 'pavé' is much heavier and more 'urban/human' than a simple 'pierre'. It implies a more significant impact.
Rarely. It's almost always 'un pavé' (singular) because one big impact is enough.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but you'll also see it in the most serious newspapers.
The 'ondes de choc' (shockwaves) spread. This is a common follow-up phrase.
Frases relacionadas
Mettre les pieds dans le plat
similarTo speak bluntly about a sensitive topic.
Lâcher une bombe
synonymTo drop a bombshell.
Mettre un coup de pied dans la fourmilière
similarTo stir up trouble to force action.
Faire des vagues
similarTo cause trouble or attract attention.
Remuer la vase
builds onTo stir up the mud/secrets of the past.
