comme un pet sur une toile cirée

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French

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Etymology

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Literally, like a fart on an oilcloth.

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /kɔ.m‿œ̃ pɛ sy.ʁ‿yn twal si.ʁe/
  • Audio:(file)

Adverb

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comme un pet sur une toile cirée

  1. (simile, informal) like grease through a goose, as fast as greased lightning (very rapidly)
    • René Sussan, Dupont et le bonheur des hommes, 1965, p. 122.
      Découvert, il fila parmi les gardes ahuris comme un pet sur une toile cirée.
      With his cover blown, he slipped through the dumbstruck guards as fast as greased lightning.

Usage notes

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  • Used with verbs such as filer and partir (to leave).

See also

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