péter les plombs

“Péter les plombs” is a commonly used French expression that translates literally to “to blow the fuses”.

English meanings:

  • to flip out
  • to lose it
  • to blow a fuse
  • to go beserk
  • to go off the rails

French expressions love to use the verb péter, which can translate to break, pop, burst, snap and even fart! Un plomb is an electrical fuse. A French meaning of péter les plombs is “craquer psychologiquement” (to breakdown psychologically).

Example sentence:

  • Papa péte les plombs quand la voiture ne démarre pas en hiver. Dad loses it when the doesn’t start during the winter.

Synonymous expressions:

more French expressions

Sign Up For A FREE Trial French Lesson On Skype And Get Instant Access To My French Pronunciation Crash Course.

Get the French Pronunciation Crash Course!