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ménager la chèvre et le chou

The French expression “ménager la chèvre et le chou” translates literally to “to take care of the goat and the cabbage”.

English meaning:

  • to keep both parties happy
  • run with the hare and hunt with the hounds (UK expression)

French meaning:

  • ne pas prendre parti – to not take sides

Example sentence:

  • Les promoteurs immobiliers se disputent sans arrêt avec les écologistes et la commune doit ménager la chèvre et le chou. The real estate developers are arguing incessantly with the environmentalists and the municipality has to keep both sides happy.

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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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