1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language

Donner sa langue au chat

French expressions analyzed and explained

By , About.com Guide


Expression: Donner sa langue au chat

Pronunciation: [duh nay sa la(n) go sha]

Meaning: To give up, stop guessing

Literal translation: To give one's tongue to the cat

Register: normal

Notes: The French expression donner sa langue au chat is used to indicate that you don't know the answer - you can't think of anything else and have no idea what it is that another person is trying to make you guess. I don't know why you would give your tongue to the cat at this point - is she supposed to continue guessing for you? And is there any connection to the English expression "cat got your tongue?" (The French equivalent of that, by the way, is Tu as avalé/perdu ta langue ?)
What do you think? Post your comments on my French blog - just hit "comments" at the bottom of the post.

Example:
   - Tu ne devineras jamais qui va venir nous voir !
   - Paul ?
   - Non !
   - David ?
   - Non !
   - Alors, je donne ma langue au chat.

   - You'll never guess who's coming to visit!
   - Paul?
   - No!
   - David?
   - No!
   - OK, I give up.
 

Explore French Language

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language
  4. French Vocabulary
  5. French Expressions
  6. Expression of the week
  7. Donner sa langue au chat - French Expression

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.