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It is a well-known fact that bread and boulangeries play a central role in the French culture, so much so that the tradition of baguette making was granted UNESCO ‘intangible cultural heritage status’.

Bread also features in a number of French expressions. We look at some of the most common examples that can be used in everyday conversation.

1. Avoir du pain sur la planche 

Literally: to have bread on the plank.

This means you have a lot of things to do or a lot of work. In English we would say we 'have a lot on our plate'.

The expression originally meant to have enough (bread) to survive in the future, as bakers used to prepare and stock bread on a plank in the 19th Century.

2. Pain bénit

Literally: blessed bread.

If someone says ‘c’est du pain bénit’ about something, this means it is a great opportunity. Language experts say the grammatically correct version of this expression is technically â€˜c’est pain bénit’ (without du), but the majority of French speakers are not aware of this and add the du. 

3. Partir ou se vendre comme des petits pains 

Literally: to leave or to sell like little breads.

This means that something is selling very well and fast. In English we say 'selling like hot cakes'.

4. Ne pas manger de ce pain là 

Literally: to not eat this kind of bread.

‘Je ne mange pas de ce pain là’, this is what you can say when you do not want to do something that is not part of your moral values.

Bread is something shared by everyone and someone can invite you to eat it in order to share their plans which may be immoral.

5. Pour une bouchée de pain 

Literally: for a mouthful of bread.

This means 'for almost nothing'. It can be used if you buy something very cheap. The expression dates from the 17th Century when bread was inexpensive.

6. Ã‡a ne mange pas de pain 

Literally: this does not eat bread.

This also comes from the 17th Century and is similar to the English phrases: 'there is no harm in trying', or 'you have got nothing to lose.' 

It refers to the fact bread was an important part of nourishment thus an important part of the family budget. Therefore, if something does not eat bread it means it will not affect the budget, or rather, will not have a huge impact. 

7. Un gagne-pain

Literally: a bread win. 

It is generally used as an informal way of referring to a person's job or livelihood - their way of making a living. It is also similar to the English term 'a breadwinner'. 

Read more: Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­: when and why do we say mettre la main à la pâte?