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Avoir du plomb dans l’aile (To be in a bad way)

Avoir du plomb dans l’aile (To be in a bad way)

Avoir du plomb dans l’aile is a French expression that translates literally to “to have lead in the wing” and means “to be in a bad way” or “to be in bad shape”.

Avoir du plomb dans l’aile

to be in a bad way

Avoir du plombe dans l'aile - to be in a bad way

Example sentences

Suite à la crise récente et plusieurs erreurs, la carrière du président a du plomb dans l’aile.

Following the recent crisis and several mistakes, the president’s career is in a bad way.

Le gouvernement n’avoue pas que son projet a du plomb dans l’aile !

The government isn’t admitting that it’s project is in a bad way.

Synonymous expressions

  • Battre de l’aile to struggle
  • Être mal en point to be in bad shape
  • Être dans une mauvaise passe to be going through a rough patch
  • Être sur le déclin To be in decline, to be waning

Related expression

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David Issokson Founder & French Teacher at FrenchLearner.com
David Issokson is the founder of FrenchLearner.com, where he’s been helping students master French through vocabulary, grammar, and cultural lessons since 2012.

    David Issokson

    About the Author – David Issokson David Issokson is the founder and French teacher behind FrenchLearner.com. He’s been teaching French online since 2014 and brings over 30 years of experience as a passionate French learner and fluent speaker. David is dedicated to making the language clear, practical, and enjoyable for students at all levels. 📘 About David » 🌐 David’s personal site » 👍 Follow on Facebook »

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