15秒了解
- To act independently without consulting others.
- To go solo on a project or decision.
- Being a lone wolf in a social or professional setting.
意思
This phrase describes someone who decides to act alone or work independently rather than joining a group. It is like being a 'lone wolf' or taking a solo path when everyone else is following the crowd.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a coworker's new project
Marc a décidé de faire cavalier seul sur ce dossier.
Marc decided to go it alone on this file.
Planning a trip with friends
Je vais faire cavalier seul pour la visite du musée.
I'm going to go solo for the museum visit.
Texting about a breakup or social split
Elle préfère faire cavalier seul pour l'instant.
She prefers being on her own for now.
文化背景
In French politics, 'faire cavalier seul' is often seen as a sign of 'grandeur' or strong character, reminiscent of Charles de Gaulle's style of leadership. While understood, Quebecers might also use 'faire bande à part' or English-influenced terms like 'goer solo'. In many African cultures where community is paramount, 'faire cavalier seul' can carry a stronger negative connotation of rejecting one's social responsibilities. Modern French 'start-up nation' culture is shifting from 'cavalier seul' toward 'agilité' and 'travail collaboratif', making the phrase more of a warning than a compliment.
Use it in Job Interviews
If you want to sound like a leader, say you know when to collaborate and when to 'faire cavalier seul' to get things done.
Watch the Gender
Remember to keep 'cavalier' masculine even if you are a woman. It's an old-fashioned rule, but it's the most natural way to say it.
15秒了解
- To act independently without consulting others.
- To go solo on a project or decision.
- Being a lone wolf in a social or professional setting.
What It Means
Imagine a group of knights riding together. Suddenly, one knight turns his horse and heads off on his own path. That is faire cavalier seul. It means you are acting independently. You are not waiting for permission. You are not following the pack. It is about self-reliance and solo action.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone breaks away from a team. It can describe a business move or a social choice. You conjugate the verb faire normally. For example, il fait cavalier seul means 'he is going it alone.' It feels active and intentional. You are choosing this path.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when a colleague starts their own project. Use it when a friend decides to go to a museum alone. It works well when discussing politics or sports. If a player ignores their teammates to score, they are faisant cavalier seul. It is perfect for describing entrepreneurs or rebels. Use it when you want to sound observant and slightly sophisticated.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for being 'up to date' despite some confusing translations. It does not mean you know the latest news. Do not use it if someone is just lonely. It implies a choice to lead or act, not sadness. Avoid it in very tragic situations. It is too 'active' for someone who is simply isolated by force. Don't use it for group activities, obviously!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of horsemanship and military history. A cavalier is a rider or a knight. In the past, riding alone was a sign of great independence or a specific mission. The French value 'l'esprit d'indépendance'. This phrase captures that spirit perfectly. It suggests a certain bravery or stubbornness that the French find quite romantic. It has been popular since the 18th century.
Common Variations
You might hear jouer cavalier seul. This is almost identical but focuses on the 'play' or the strategy. Sometimes people say partir en cavalier seul when starting a journey. You can also use the noun form un cavalier seul to describe the person. 'C'est un vrai cavalier seul' means 'He is a real lone wolf.' Keep it simple with faire for most daily conversations.
使用说明
This phrase is neutral and versatile. It is safe to use with your boss or your best friend. Just remember it is about independence, not about being 'current' or 'trendy'.
Use it in Job Interviews
If you want to sound like a leader, say you know when to collaborate and when to 'faire cavalier seul' to get things done.
Watch the Gender
Remember to keep 'cavalier' masculine even if you are a woman. It's an old-fashioned rule, but it's the most natural way to say it.
The 'Bande à Part' Nuance
Use 'faire cavalier seul' for professional independence and 'faire bande à part' for social independence.
The Political Context
In France, this phrase is almost always used in political journalism. Reading 'Le Monde' will give you many examples.
例句
6Marc a décidé de faire cavalier seul sur ce dossier.
Marc decided to go it alone on this file.
Shows Marc is working without the team's help.
Je vais faire cavalier seul pour la visite du musée.
I'm going to go solo for the museum visit.
A polite way to say you want some alone time.
Elle préfère faire cavalier seul pour l'instant.
She prefers being on her own for now.
Suggests a choice to be independent.
L'attaquant a fait cavalier seul et a marqué un but magnifique !
The striker went solo and scored a magnificent goal!
Used when a player ignores passing to teammates.
Le ministre a choisi de faire cavalier seul contre son parti.
The minister chose to break ranks and act alone against his party.
Reflects a serious, high-stakes independent move.
Il veut toujours faire cavalier seul, il n'écoute personne.
He always wants to do his own thing; he doesn't listen to anyone.
Conveys a sense of frustration with someone's independence.
自我测试
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Malgré l'avis de l'équipe, Julie a décidé de ________ ________ ________.
After 'décidé de', we need the infinitive form.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'faire cavalier seul'?
Situation:
The phrase implies an intentional choice to act independently in a social or professional context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Pourquoi est-ce que Paul ne travaille pas avec nous ? B: Il a toujours préféré ________.
This fits the context of working independently.
Match the register with the correct sentence.
Registers: 1. Formal, 2. Informal, 3. Slang
C is formal, B is neutral/informal, A is slangy.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Cavalier Seul vs. Bande à Part
练习题库
4 练习Malgré l'avis de l'équipe, Julie a décidé de ________ ________ ________.
After 'décidé de', we need the infinitive form.
Situation:
The phrase implies an intentional choice to act independently in a social or professional context.
A: Pourquoi est-ce que Paul ne travaille pas avec nous ? B: Il a toujours préféré ________.
This fits the context of working independently.
将左侧的每个项目与右侧的配对匹配:
C is formal, B is neutral/informal, A is slangy.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
14 个问题Not necessarily. It can mean you are independent and brave, but in a team context, it can imply you are not cooperative.
Yes, 'Elle fait cavalier seul' is the standard form. 'Cavalière seule' is rare.
'Bande à part' usually means staying away from a group socially, while 'cavalier seul' is more about taking action or working alone.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or in a newspaper.
No, the article 'un' is not used in this idiom.
No, it can apply to sports, politics, or even social outings.
It literally means 'to act as a lone horseman'.
Yes, it is a very common idiom in France, especially in professional and political circles.
Yes: 'Il a fait cavalier seul'.
Yes, 'jouer solo' is the modern slang equivalent.
Usually, it's for one person, but a small group can 'faire cavalier seul' against a larger organization.
Yes, 'cavalier' and 'cavalerie' share the same root (horse).
Yes, if you decide to do a hobby alone while others do it together.
It sounds like the 'u' in 'surf' or 'burn'.
相关表达
faire bande à part
synonymTo stay away from a group.
un loup solitaire
similarA lone wolf.
jouer solo
similarTo play solo.
faire équipe
contrastTo team up.
en roue libre
builds onFreewheeling.
