k&k learn french 119 -
tenir la chandelle
"Tenir la chandelle" (to be the third wheel) is just one of those things we all find ourselves doing from time to time. Find out all about it in show 119!
Literal translation
To hold the candle
English equivalents
To play gooseberry
To be the third wheel
To be a third wheel
To be the fifth wheel (on the wagon)
To be the spare dick at a wedding
French equivalents
None! Zip! Zilch! Nada! Nothing! There are no French equivalents to this phrase!
Frog's phrase
Pendant que Katia et le Muffin Man dînent en amoureux dans le plus beau restaurant de la ville Kyliemac leur tient la chandelle et se ressert du vin.
Translation
Whilst Katia and the Muffin Man have a romantic dinner in the most wonderful restaurant in town, Kyliemac plays gooseberry and serves herself some more wine.
NOTE : It's not être la cinquième roue du carrosse / la charrette / la brouette which means unusefulness.
Listen to our explanation of the phrase :
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