Chanter comme une casserole

Expression: Chanter comme une casserole

Pronunciation: [sha(n) tay kuhm un kas ruhl]

Meaning: to be a lousy singer

Literal translation: to sing like a saucepan

Register: informal

Notes: The French expression chanter comme une casserole offers lots of possibility for speculation. Is the singing of the saucepan that sound that comes from a poorly fitting lid, or is it more like the sound made when banging two pans together? I'm also reminded of the fact that copper pans were traditionally lined with tin, which brings to mind the English expression "to have a tin ear" (French: ne pas avoir d'oreille).

Une casserole can also be used by itself to refer to a lousy singer.

Examples:

   Le premier rôle masculin dans cette comédie musicale chante comme une casserole !
   The male lead in this musical is a lousy singer!

   Quelle casserole !
   What a lousy singer!

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