entre chien et loup

French

Etymology

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.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɑ̃.tʁə ʃjɛ̃ e lu/

Adverb

entre chien et loup

1. (literally) between a dog and a wolf.
2. (by extension, idiomatic) At dusk, at twilight; gloaming.
3. (photography) golden hour (used in same technical sense for “good photographic light at twilight”)

Usage notes

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.

Synonyms

• brunante
• crépuscule
• heure bleue
• à la tombée de la nuit