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Mettre sa main au feu (To bet your life on it)

The French expression “en mettre sa main au feu” translates literally to “to put one’s hand over the fire”.

English meanings:

  • bet your life on it
  • bet your bottom dollar on it
  • to put money on it

French meaning:

  • être sur de quelque choseto be sure of something
  • en jurerto swear (to be true)

Example sentence:

  • Martin et Sylvie ne vont jamais rester ensemble. J’en mettrais ma main au feu! Martin and Sylvie will never stay together. I’d be my life on it!

Synonym expression:

  • mettre sa main à couper to put one’s hand (out) to be cut (to bet your bottom dollar)

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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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