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Ce n’est pas la mer à boire (It’s no big deal)

The informal French expression “ce n’est pas la mer à boire” translates literally to “it’s not the sea to drink”.

English meanings:

  • it’s no big deal
  • it’s not asking that much

French meanings:

  • ce n’est pas grave – it’s no big deal
  • ce n’est pas si difficile – Lit: it’s not so difficult

Example sentence:

  • Écoute, tu t’inquiètes pour rien. Ce n’est pas la mer à boire! Listen, you’re worrying for nothing. It’s no big deal!

Synonyms:

  • il n’y pas de quoi fouetter un chatthere’s nothing to get worked up about
  • c’est pas la mort du petit cheval – Lit: It’s not the death of the little horse
  • Ça ne fait rien – Lit: That makes nothing, it’s no big deal
  • Ce n’est pas un drame – Lit: It’s not a tragedy
  • Ce n’est pas si pire – Lit: It’s not so worse (Québecois expression)
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David Issokson
David Issokson is the founder and French teacher of Frenchlearner.com. With over 30 years of experience as a French learner and speaker, he is passionate about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone. David is dedicated to providing clear, practical, and effective resources to help you master French. Learn more about FrenchLearner on our about us page. Visit davidissokson.com, David's personal website.

David Issokson

David Issokson is the founder and French teacher of Frenchlearner.com. With over 30 years of experience as a French learner and speaker, he is passionate about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone. David is dedicated to providing clear, practical, and effective resources to help you master French. Learn more about FrenchLearner on our about us page. Visit davidissokson.com, David's personal website.

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