Common French-Canadian Proverbs

Lâche pas la patate!: Don’t let go of the potato! Meaning: Don’t give up! Keep going, hang in there. (A very encouraging expression used in tough times.)

Avoir du front tout le tour de la tête: To have a forehead all the way around your head. Meaning: To be very bold, cheeky, or have a lot of nerve (sometimes arrogant). Example: “Il a du front tout le tour de la tête!” = He’s got some nerve!

C’est tiguidou! Literal: It’s all good! Meaning: Everything is fine / perfect / no problem. A cheerful, typically Québécois way of saying things are great.

Attacher sa tuque (avec de la broche): To tie your tuque (hat) with wire. Meaning: Brace yourself / Hold on tight — something intense or difficult is coming.

Ça a pas d’allure!: That has no style/shape! Meaning: That doesn’t make any sense! It’s ridiculous or unacceptable.

Mettre de l’eau dans son vin: To put water in one’s wine. Meaning: To compromise, tone it down, or be more moderate.