Example: Il ne faut pas y aller par quatre chemins pour expliquer la vérité.
Definition
"Ne pas y aller par quatre chemins" is a French expression meaning to speak or act directly and straightforwardly without beating around the bush. It implies addressing a matter honestly and clearly without unnecessary detours or evasions.
Translations
To get straight to the point
No andarse con rodeos
Er niet omheen draaien
No anar amb embuts
Nicht lange um den heißen Brei reden
Etymology
The expression "Ne pas y aller par quatre chemins" literally means 'not to go by four roads.' It originates from the idea that taking multiple paths to reach a destination is a roundabout, indirect way. By contrast, 'not going by four roads' means choosing the quickest, most direct route, metaphorically applied to communication or action.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Ne pas y aller par quatre chemins" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To get straight to the point