Example: Pour réussir, il faut être dans les petits papiers du directeur.
Definition
"Être dans les petits papiers de quelqu'un" is a French expression meaning to be in someone's good graces or favored by them. It implies having a special, often discreet, relationship that grants one advantages or preferential treatment.
Translations
To be in someone's good books
Estar bien visto por alguien
Een streepje voor hebben
Caure bé a algú
Bei jemandem hoch im Kurs stehen
Etymology
The expression "être dans les petits papiers de quelqu'un" literally translates to 'to be in someone's little papers.' Historically, it referred to being included in personal notes or files of favor, suggesting trust or special attention. Did you know that the phrase evokes the idea of being noted in private documents, highlighting a close and favorable connection?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Être dans les petits papiers de quelqu'un" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select French as the language you want to learn.
To be in someone's good books