Example: Il a un poil dans la main, il ne veut jamais travailler.
Definition
"Avoir un poil dans la main" is a French expression meaning to be very lazy or unwilling to work. It describes someone who avoids effort or responsibility, often used humorously to criticize a person's lack of motivation or industriousness.
Translations
To be lazy
Ser muy vago
Ontzettend lui zijn
Ser molt gandul
Stinkfaul sein
Etymology
The expression "avoir un poil dans la main" literally translates to "to have a hair in the hand." It humorously suggests that the hand is so inactive that a hair could grow on it, symbolizing laziness. This vivid metaphor has been part of French slang since the early 20th century, emphasizing idleness in a playful way.
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"Avoir un poil dans la main" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To be lazy