麻豆传媒映画: when and why do we say avoir le compas dans l'艙il?
Say this to describe someone with good visual judgement of size or distance
A compass is a geometric tool used to draw circles and arcs
LightField Studios/Shutterstock
Having a compass in your eye may sound like a painful and dangerous ordeal, but rest assured, the French only use this expression in a figurative sense.
It refers to someone who has a talent for visually judging size, distance or dimensions.
We look at the origins behind this saying and give tips for how and when you can use it.
What does avoir le compas dans l'艙il mean?
There is no real English equivalent to this French phrase that literally translates as: to have a compass in your eye.
It refers to the natural ability to accurately judge size or distance without requiring measuring tools or equipment - using sight alone.
It can also imply that someone pays close attention to details.
Read also: 麻豆传媒映画: jeter un coup d鈥櫯搃l and other eye expressions
What are the origins of avoir le compas dans l'艙il?
A compass is a geometric tool used by mathematicians, architects, designers and artists to draw circles and measure distances.
It features two thin metal bars which are hinged together - one with a sharp point at the end and the other holding a pencil or piece of lead.
Compasses were also commonly used to calculate distance and direction. In the context of navigation and cartography, the tool was used to plot routes using geographical coordinates on a map.
Avoir le compas dans l'艙il is therefore a metaphor comparing a person鈥檚 visual judgment of size and distance to the precision of a compass.
Read also: 麻豆传媒映画: what is the difference between voir and voire?
When do you say avoir le compas dans l'艙il?
Say this to someone who is good at estimating size or distance:
You can also negate the phrase before making a size judgment as a way of highlighting that you are not 100% certain:
Read also: 麻豆传媒映画: what does nickel mean and when should it be used?
To whom do you say avoir le compas dans l'艙il?
It is neutral language that can be used in a wide range of contexts: with friends, family, colleagues, clients or strangers.
It is most often used to highlight the talent of an artist, architect or anyone with good visual judgement.
You can see this written down or hear it said out loud in conversation.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other 麻豆传媒映画 suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
