Mettre les pieds dans le plat
Example: Il a mis les pieds dans le plat en parlant de ce sujet délicat.
Definition
"Mettre les pieds dans le plat" is a French expression meaning to say or do something tactless or embarrassing, often by addressing a sensitive or delicate topic bluntly. For example, it describes when someone awkwardly brings up a controversial subject without caution.
Etymology
The expression "Mettre les pieds dans le plat" literally translates to "putting feet in the dish." It likely originates from the idea of someone stepping directly into a dish, causing a mess, symbolizing an awkward or clumsy intrusion into a situation. Did you know it vividly captures the feeling of causing discomfort by being blunt or indiscreet?
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"Mettre les pieds dans le plat" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To put one's foot in it