Example: Malgré les difficultés, elle a su ne pas perdre le nord.
Definition
"Ne pas perdre le nord" is a French expression meaning to stay focused and maintain a clear sense of direction or purpose, especially during challenging situations. It implies not losing one's composure or clarity when faced with difficulties.
Translations
To keep one's bearings
No perder el rumbo
Het hoofd koel houden
No perdre el nord
Die Orientierung behalten
Etymology
The expression "Ne pas perdre le nord" literally means "not to lose the north." It originates from navigation, where the north is a crucial reference point for orientation. Losing the north meant losing one's way, so the phrase evolved to figuratively mean staying on course or keeping one's bearings in life.
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"Ne pas perdre le nord" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To keep one's bearings