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s’attirer les foudres

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.

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).

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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.

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