Meaning of the French expression Tirer les vers du nez
The Local examines the origins and usage of a common French idiom, clarifying that it does not involve the literal extraction of worms from a person's nose.
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According to The Local, the French expression 'tirer les vers du nez' is a figurative phrase rather than a literal description of an action. Despite its unsettling literal translation, which suggests removing worms from a person's nose, the idiom is used to describe the act of eliciting information from someone who is initially reluctant to share it. The publication notes that understanding such idiomatic language is essential for navigating daily conversations in France, as these phrases are frequently employed by native speakers to convey complex meanings concisely.
Source: The Local. Read the original report ↗
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This brief is based on reporting by The Local.supports: The Local Europe