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Can you smell something fishy going on? That may be because someone is trying to noyer le poisson…

We look at the origins behind this French expression and explain how to use it in everyday French.

What does noyer le poisson mean?

It literally translates as: to drown the fish. 

This can refer to the idea of creating confusion or ‘bamboozling’ someone by talking about a lot of wishy-washy details rather than getting to the root of a problem.

It can also imply that someone has sidestepped an issue by shining the spotlight on someone else.

It is similar to the sayings: 

• Brouiller les pistes - To muddy the waters/To put up a smokescreen

• Faire porter le chapeau à [quelqu'un] - To pass the buck [to someone else]

• Tourner autour du pot - To beat around the bush 

What are the origins of noyer le poisson?

Some sources claim that it derived from the older saying: la sauce fait passer le poisson (the sauce makes the fish pass), which implies any bad taste from a fish is ‘drowned’ by the sauce. This mixture - or confusion - of flavours makes it easier to eat the fish.

Another theory is that the phrase relates to a 19th Century fishing method, where in order to tire out a fish caught on a hook, fishermen would plunge it in and out of water. The constant change between water and air evokes a confusing experience, and creates the image of someone trying to squirm and struggle their way out of danger.

When do you say noyer le poisson?

Say this to describe a person who is sneakily avoiding a problem:

• Ne tentez pas de noyer le poisson. - Do not attempt to worm your way out of this one.

• Il préfère noyer le poisson sous les flatteries plutôt que d'assumer la responsabilité de ses actes. - He would rather bury the problem with flattery than take responsibility for his actions.

To whom do you say noyer le poisson?

It is a colloquial expression that can be used in a range of casual situations, with friends and family or even work colleagues. 

You may also hear this phrase being used by politicians or read it in newspaper headlines to describe a public figure who avoids addressing the key topic of conversation.

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com