Ne pas faire le poids
Example: Face à son adversaire, il ne fait pas le poids du tout.
Definition
"Ne pas faire le poids" is a French expression meaning to be unable to compete or measure up to someone or something in strength, skill, or influence. For example, in the phrase 'Face à son adversaire, il ne fait pas le poids du tout,' it implies complete inability to match the opponent.
Translations
-
To be no match -
No estar a la altura -
Niet opgewassen zijn tegen -
No estar a l'altura -
Nicht mithalten können
Etymology
The expression "ne pas faire le poids" literally translates to 'not make the weight.' It originated from weighing scales, where something 'not making the weight' was considered too light or insignificant compared to another. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean being inadequate or unable to compare in strength or importance.
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"Ne pas faire le poids" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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