Example: Il est de bonne guerre de critiquer les décisions politiques.
Definition
"Être de bonne guerre" is a French expression meaning it is acceptable or understandable to criticize or oppose someone's actions or decisions, especially in a competitive or confrontational context, as it is considered fair or natural behavior.
Translations
To be fair game
Ser parte del juego
Erbij horen
Entrar dins del joc
Zum Spiel gehören
Etymology
The expression "Être de bonne guerre" literally means 'to be of good war' in French. It originates from the idea that certain behaviors or actions are considered fair or acceptable in the context of war or conflict. Over time, it came to be used figuratively to justify criticism or opposition in everyday disputes, implying that such actions are part of the 'rules' of engagement.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Être de bonne guerre" 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.