perdre le nord

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French[edit]

Etymology[edit]

Compare Spanish perder el norte.

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /pɛʁ.dʁə l(ə) nɔʁ/
  • (file)

Verb[edit]

perdre le nord

  1. (informal, figuratively) to lose one's bearings, to be all at sea
    Synonym: perdre la boussole

Usage notes[edit]

Chiefly used in negative sentences: ne pas perdre le nord (not to lose sight of one's goals, not to miss an occasion to progress towards one's goals). Especially said of people who don't lose sight of their interests in financial matters, and are attentive with money.

See also[edit]