Example: Il a toujours su tenir la dragée haute à ses concurrents directs.
Definition
"Tenir la dragée haute" is a French expression meaning to keep someone at a distance of respect or to maintain a superior position over competitors, often by being demanding or challenging. It implies asserting dominance or control in a situation.
Translations
To keep someone waiting
Hacerse de rogar
Iemand aan het lijntje houden
Fer esperar
Jemanden hinhalten
Etymology
The expression "tenir la dragée haute" literally translates to 'hold the high sugar almond.' Historically, sugar almonds were considered a luxury treat, and holding them high symbolized offering something precious out of reach or maintaining superiority. Over time, it evolved to mean asserting dominance or keeping others at bay.
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"Tenir la dragée haute" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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To keep someone waiting