French leave
French leave (idiom)
/frɛn(t)ʃ liv/
Meaning
- leaving a place or event without informing anyone or seeking permission.
- departing secretly or without saying goodbye.
- exiting stealthily to avoid notice or duty.
- leaving work or duty without permission, often unexpectedly.
- taking an unauthorized or abrupt leave from a situation.
Example Sentences
- After the boring lecture started, he took French leave and went to a coffee shop instead.
- She made a French leave from the party without saying goodbye to anyone.
- The employee took French leave, causing a disruption in the work schedule.
- During the long meeting, several participants made a French leave unnoticed.
- Without informing the team, he took French leave and skipped the rest of the conference.
- Not wanting to explain his early departure, he decided to take French leave during the dinner.
Origin and History
The idiom “French leave” refers to the act of leaving a social event or gathering without informing anyone or seeking permission. This expression has an interesting history, reflecting cultural practices and historical relations between nations.
18th Century French Custom
The phrase is believed to have originated from an 18th-century French custom where guests would leave a gathering without bidding farewell to the host. This practice was considered polite in French society, as it avoided the formality and potential awkwardness of saying goodbye. In contrast, British society viewed this behavior as impolite, and thus, the term “French leave” emerged, reflecting the British perspective on French customs.
Military Usage
During the 18th century, the term began to be used in a military context. It referred to soldiers who left their posts without permission. This usage became particularly common in the British army during World War II. The military connotation added a layer of seriousness to the term, implying desertion or abandonment of duty.
Cultural Exchange and Counterparts
Interestingly, the French have a similar phrase, “filer à l’anglaise,” which translates to “leave in the English style.” This mutual finger-pointing highlights the cultural exchanges and the often humorous rivalry between the two nations. The French equivalent carries the same meaning but attributes the behavior to the English, showcasing how cultural perceptions can be mirrored and reciprocated.
Earliest Recorded Use
The first recorded use of “French leave” dates back to 1771, soon after the Seven Years’ War. This timing suggests that the phrase may have developed amid the close, albeit contentious, relations between Britain and France during that period. The phrase captured the British view of French etiquette and began to be used more broadly to describe any abrupt or unauthorized departure.
Literary References and Usage
The phrase “French leave” has appeared in various literary works, further embedding it into the English language. Notable examples include:
- “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson (1883): Stevenson uses the phrase to describe a character’s secretive departure, adding a narrative of adventure and mischief.
- “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton (1920): Wharton’s novel includes a character taking “French leave” in a rush to propose, illustrating the idiom’s application in romantic and dramatic contexts.
“French leave” is a fascinating idiom that reflects historical and cultural attitudes between France and Britain. Its origins in 18th-century French customs and its adoption into military and literary contexts highlight the dynamic evolution of language and cultural exchange. Despite its potentially negative connotations, the phrase remains a vivid example of how idiomatic expressions can encapsulate the nuances of social behavior and international perceptions.
Synonyms
- sneaking out
- ducking out
- slipping away
- making an Irish exit
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