'Bras de fer'

Politics is a crazy and trying business where ever you live in the world and I am certainly not going to comment.

However, you might want to know this French expression to understand whatever political conflict is unfolding in France.

Why do I need to know bras de fer?

Because it pops up all the time in French media whenever there is some sort of conflict.

What does it mean?

Bras de fer - roughly pronounced brah duh fair - technically translates as 'arm of iron', but it actually means to strong-arm someone, The expression refers to the physical exercise of arm-wrestling, where two people place their elbows on a table, clench their fists and try to force the others' arm onto the table.

These days, bras de fer is mostly used in a symbolic manner, once negotiation and discussion have gone out the window - although you would also use it if you want to challenge someone to an arm wrestle.

You might use it when someone is preparing for a stand-off, or if they want to strong-arm or force the other party to bend to their preference.

Bras de fer is a recurrent expression in French media, especially if there is a political conflict.

So now you know

Categories: : Things 'French.'