101 French Idioms

by Jean-Marie Cassagne, Luc Nisset

Intermediate This whimsical collection of colloquialisms entertains students while providing insight into French-language idioms, customs, and humor. Grouped according to theme � from "Our Animal Friends" to "Speaking About the Body" to "Food for Thought" � the idioms are illustrated with humorous cartoons that provide keys to understanding the literal and real meanings.

Genres: France, Language, Reference, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Vanessa (V.C.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an oldie, but a goodie. I'd say that this book is geared towards intermediate French students who want to branch out into learning about idioms (which they don't teach in French classes) or for people who know French but want to know about these idioms that they otherwise wouldn't really catch when French is spoken, or who want to learn them so they can use these idioms/expressions in the future. I really loved the illustrations that perfectly bring more context to these idioms, some that are, admittedly, funny but confusing, but with the context/image there, they make more sense. The paragraphs that are accompanied to further draw context to the idiom also were a nice touch so you could see how they'd be used conversationally. What I enjoy most of all about this book is that you can really absorb a lot from it in a quick sitting, but is also fine as a reference book to return to when/if you need it. It doesn't seem like there are many French idiom books on the market; this one is by far the oldest and has stood the test of time from the 90's. Don't be turned off by its age; it still holds up as a pretty accessible, enjoyable, and fun book on France's quirky idioms and expressions that are truly interesting to learn and know about.

[Emily D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stories are all in French and they're short enough to be only a bit challenging. I'd liken it to short excerpts and conversations featured in your school books at upper beginner's French class.

Short entertaining stories that explain what the idioms mean and illustrate when / how they are to be used.


Reading this as a follow up to Cassagne's other book, 101 French Proverbs. It gets easier when you reach your second book. When I waa still going through the first one, i was constantly referring back to my dictionary and my verb conjugation tables. But by this second book, i could go several pages without having to cross check. It was helpful that Cassagne used almost the same vocabulary in both books.

[TRex_TeaTime · Rating 3 out of 5]

really clear illustrations of what it means and the stories help you put them into context.