Skip to Content

pleurer comme une madeleine

The French expression “pleurer comme une Madeleine” translates literally to “to cry like a Mary Magdalene”. Based on biblical history, Mary Magdaleine was a witness to Jesus’ crucifixion.

The meanings of this idiom are as follows:

  • to cry your eyes out
  • to cry like a baby

Example sentences:

  • Apres dix ans sans voir son fils, elle a pleuré comme une Madeleine. After not seeing her son for ten years, she cried her eyes out.
  • Il a été tellement ému par le film qu’il a pleuré comme une Madeleine. He was so moved by the film that he cried like a baby.

back to main expressions page

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.

See all posts by