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 chat – there’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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