sur les chapeaux de roues

The French expression “sur les chapeaux de roues” translates directly to “on the hub caps”.

English meanings:

  • at top speed
  • at full throttle

French meanings:

  • sans pause, à fond – without taking a break, to the max
  • à grande vitesse – Lit: at big speed

Example sentence:

  • Matin conduisait sur les chapeaux de rues quand il s’est fait arrêter par la police. Martin was driving at top speed when he got stopped by the police.

Synonyms for “at top speed”:

  • à tombeau ouvert – Lit: at an open tomb
  • à fond la caisse – Lit: the box to the max (maximum)
  • à toute berzingue – Lit: at all high ball

more 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!