The French expression “s’attirer les foudres” translates literally to “attract thunderbolts” and can also be seen as “s’attirer foudres de quelqu’un” or to attract thunderbolts from somebody. English meanings include:
- to provoke an angry response from somebody
- to incur somebody’s wrath
A French definition on expressio.fr suggests the meaning is to attract negative comments (reproach) or condemnation.
Speed up your learning with the right audio course
My friend, Camille, at Frenchtoday.com has helped thousands of students to build a solid base in their French speaking since 1999. She is now offering all of her audio courses at 20% off until September 4th. Click here to learn more!
Here’s an example sentence:
- En rentrant chez elle apres sa permission de 22h00, elle s’est attiré les foudres de ses parents. By coming home after her 10.00pm curfew, she incurred her parents’ wrath (her parents got very angry at her).
Recommended courses from Frenchtoday.com
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.
Latest posts by David Issokson (see all)
- 10 Ways To Say Excuse Me In French Beyond “Excusez-Moi” - September 28, 2022
- Stromae — Fils de Joie (French Lyrics & English Translation) - September 21, 2022
- Amir & Indila — Carrousel Lyrics & English Translation - September 6, 2022
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.
