Example: Il s'est mis le doigt dans l'œil en croyant cette rumeur.
Definition
"Se mettre le doigt dans l'œil" is a French expression meaning to be completely mistaken or to deceive oneself about a situation. It is often used when someone realizes they were wrong or misjudged something, as in the example: 'Il s'est mis le doigt dans l'œil en croyant cette rumeur.'
Translations
To be completely mistaken
Equivocarse de pleno
Er helemaal naast zitten
Equivocar-se del tot
Sich gewaltig irren
Etymology
The phrase "Se mettre le doigt dans l'œil" literally translates to 'to put one's finger in the eye.' This vivid metaphor suggests the discomfort and foolishness of making a serious error. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has been used in French since at least the 19th century to describe self-deception or misunderstanding.
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"Se mettre le doigt dans l'œil" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To be completely mistaken