Significado
Become angry and act superior or indignant.
Contexto cultural
The French have a cultural concept called 'la susceptibilité' (being easily offended). This idiom is frequently used to call out this trait in social settings. In Quebec, while this idiom is understood, people might also use 'se pogner les nerfs' (to catch the nerves) for a similar sudden anger, though it lacks the 'superiority' nuance. The 'grand cheval' was specifically the 'destrier', the most expensive animal a person could own in the 14th century. Using this phrase today subtly mocks the person for acting like a wealthy, powerful knight when they are just a regular person.
Use it carefully
It's a great idiom, but remember it can be perceived as mocking. Use it with friends, not your boss!
Auxiliary Check
Always use 'être' for the past tense. 'Il a monté' sounds like he literally put a horse on top of something.
Significado
Become angry and act superior or indignant.
Use it carefully
It's a great idiom, but remember it can be perceived as mocking. Use it with friends, not your boss!
Auxiliary Check
Always use 'être' for the past tense. 'Il a monté' sounds like he literally put a horse on top of something.
The 'Ne...pas' trick
The most natural way to use this is telling someone NOT to do it: 'Ne monte pas sur tes grands chevaux !'
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Dès que j'ai critiqué sa cuisine, il ________ sur ses grands chevaux.
We use 'être' in the passé composé for this idiom.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Quand peut-on dire que quelqu'un 'monte sur ses grands chevaux' ?
The idiom describes defensive indignation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Tu as fait une erreur dans le dossier.' B: 'C'est faux ! Je suis le meilleur ici !' A: '________ !'
This is the perfect response to someone overreacting to criticism.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosDès que j'ai critiqué sa cuisine, il ________ sur ses grands chevaux.
We use 'être' in the passé composé for this idiom.
Quand peut-on dire que quelqu'un 'monte sur ses grands chevaux' ?
The idiom describes defensive indignation.
A: 'Tu as fait une erreur dans le dossier.' B: 'C'est faux ! Je suis le meilleur ici !' A: '________ !'
This is the perfect response to someone overreacting to criticism.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
3 perguntasIt can be. It implies the other person is overreacting. Use it when you want to point out someone's arrogance.
Yes! 'Je suis monté sur mes grands chevaux' is a good way to admit you overreacted later.
Because having 'big horses' (plural) sounds even more dramatic and grand than just one.
Frases relacionadas
Prendre de hauts airs
similarTo act superior
Prendre la mouche
similarTo get offended easily
Être à cheval sur
contrastTo be strict about something
Redescendre sur terre
contrastTo come back to reality
