Example: Pour entrer dans le club, il faut toujours montrer patte blanche.
Definition
"Montrer patte blanche" is a French expression meaning to prove one's legitimacy or trustworthiness before being accepted into a group or allowed access to a place. It is often used to describe the requirement to show clear credentials or proof of identity.
Translations
To prove one's credentials
Demostrar que eres de confianza
Bewijzen dat je te vertrouwen bent
Demostrar confiança
Sich ausweisen
Etymology
The expression "montrer patte blanche" literally means 'to show a white paw.' It originates from the behavior of some animals, such as cats, where a white paw was considered a sign of harmlessness or good character. Over time, the phrase evolved to symbolize the need to prove one's good intentions or credentials before being trusted or admitted.
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"Montrer patte blanche" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To prove one's credentials