The French expression aller au charbon translates literally to “to go to the coal. This is an expression with multiple usages.
English meanings:
- to stick your neck out
- to do your bit
- to do your part
- to roll up your sleeves
French meanings:
- prendre un risque – to take a risk (stick your neck out)
- travailler, fournir un effort – to work, put forth an effort
- accepter un travail désagréable – to accept an unpleasant job
- accepter une corvée – Lit: to accept a chore or drudgery
Example sentences:
- L’homme politique va au charbon en exprimant sa vraie opinion. The politician sticks his neck out by expressing his true opinion.
- L’employé va au charbon et accepte de nettoyer les toilettes. The employee does hit bit by washing the bathroom.
Related Expressions/synonyms:
- se mouiller – Lit: to get wet; synonym for sticking your neck out
- jouer son rôle – Lit: to play his role; synonym for doing your bit
- faire sa part du boulot – Lit: to do his part of the work; synonym for doing your bit
- faire un effort – Lit: to make an effort; synonym for doing your bit
