In France, September marks the back-to-school season — but also the beginning of the grape harvest. Wine is an essential part of French gastronomy, and harvest season is a true event. On the French Riviera, where the Centre International d’Antibes is located, and throughout Provence, rosé is king! In fact, 80% of the region’s wine production is dedicated to rosé, which is perfect for terrace apéritifs or enjoying with seafood. But wine doesn’t just show up at the dinner table — it’s also part of everyday French expressions. This month, we’re sharing some common French idioms related to wine.
This expression dates back to the 17th century. Back then, wine was often very strong, so people diluted it with water. In Greek mythology, only Dionysus could drink wine pure — mortals had to mix it. Today, the expression means to compromise, tone things down, or moderate your behavior or words.
This expression likely originated in the 16th century. At the time, buying wine involved going to a merchant who would draw it directly from the barrel into a bottle. Wasting wine was unthinkable! The phrase now means: once something is started, it must be seen through — even if it’s difficult, you must finish what you begin.
More than just an expression, this phrase serves as a helpful rhyme. Mixing alcohol is famously known to lead to unpleasant consequences — hello hangover! According to this old saying, drinking red wine after white is fine, but the opposite will lead to trouble. While not scientifically proven, the safest way to make sure “everything stays in place” is to drink in moderation. French idioms and expressions are a fun and effective way to learn French. If the idea of sipping a good glass of rosé while improving your French on the Côte d’Azur appeals to you, feel free to reach out for more info about our language stays in France. Santé!
