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 is a lifelong language enthusiast. His head is swimming with words and sounds as he speaks over six 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 online lessons. When procrastinating working on his site, FrenchLearner.com, David enjoys his time skiing and hiking in Teton Valley, Idaho.
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Bonjour! My name is David Issokson. I'm based in Victor, Idaho (near Jackson, Wyoming) and have helped hundreds of students to learn French online since 2013.
