entre chien et loup
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
French [edit]
Etymology [edit]
Because at that time in the day, one can't see the difference between a dog and a wolf.
Traditional sentiment, dating to antiquity (found in 2nd century CE texts), found in French in the 18th century.[1]
Adverb [edit]
- (literally) between a dog and a wolf.
- (by extension, idiomatic) At dusk, at twilight; gloaming.
- (photography) golden hour (used in same technical sense for “good photographic light at twilight”)
Usage notes [edit]
If used in poetic sense, witching hour, which describes a different time of day, when it is darker, but is similarly idiomatic, may provide a more evocative translation.[2]
Synonyms [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Entre chien et loup, L’Internaute
- ^ Entre chien et loup, Naked Translations, February 6, 2004
