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être le dindon de la farce

“Être le dindon de la farce” is a comical French expression that translates literally to “to be the turkey in the joke”. “Une farce” can actually translate better to practical joke. Here’s the English meaning:

  • to be taken for a ride
  • to be duped

The expression really mean to be had in a business deal. Here’s an example sentence:

  • Il m’a vendu la voiture pour huit-cent dollars mais elle est tombée en panne le lendemain. J’ai été le dindon dans la farce! He sold me the car for $800 but it but it broke down the next day. I was taken for a ride!

Here are some synonymous expressions and verbs:

more French expressions

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

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