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En boucher un coin (To render somebody speechless)

The French expression “en boucher un coin à quelqu’un” translates literally to “cork or block somebody’s mouth”. The word “coin” usually translates to “corner” but here it means mouth.

English meaning:

  • To render somebody speechless

French meaning:

  • réduire quelqu’un au silence – to reduce somebody to silence

Sample sentence:

  • Quand Monseiur Orange a announcé qu’il se présentait comme candidat aux élections présidentielles, ca m’en a bouche un coin. When Mr. Orange announced he was running in the presidential elections, I was speechless.

Synonym

  • être sans voixto be speechless
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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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