Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "C"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Coup De Maitre
Coup de maître is a French phrase that translates to "masterstroke" or "stroke of genius" in English. It refers to a brilliant and skillful action or achievement, often executed with great flair or elegance, demonstrating exceptional expertise or talent.
Coup De Theatre
Coup de théâtre refers to an unexpected, dramatic event or twist in a situation, often in the context of theater, movies, or storytelling, that surprises the audience or changes the course of the plot. It can be a sudden revelation, a surprise appearance, or an unforeseen turn of events that captures attention and adds dramatic effect.
Coups De Main
"Coups de main" is a French phrase that translates to "helping hands" or "assistance" in English. It refers to instances where someone offers their support or effort to complete a task or solve a problem.
Coureur Des Bois
"coureur des bois" is a French phrase that translates to "wood runner" or "forest runner" in English. It typically refers to a person, historically, who was skilled in running and navigating through forests, often in the context of fur trading in North America. These individuals were known for their endurance and agility as they traveled on foot through wooded areas to trade goods with Indigenous peoples or compete in long-distance races.
Courir De Mardi Gras
"Courir de Mardi Gras" is a phrase from Cajun French culture, particularly in Louisiana, referring to a unique Mardi Gras tradition. It means "to run for Mardi Gras." In this context, "running" refers to a festive event where participants, often dressed in traditional costumes, go from house to house or through the streets asking for food, drinks, or ingredients for a communal feast. This custom is associated with rural Mardi Gras celebrations and is different from the more well-known parades in cities like New Orleans.
Cover To Cover
"Cover to cover" means to read or go through something entirely, from the first page to the last page, or from beginning to end. It is often used when referring to reading a book or completing a task thoroughly.
Crak Des Chevaliers
"Crak des Chevaliers" is a phrase referring to a medieval castle located in Syria. It is also known as the "Castle of the Knights." This fortress was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 12th century and is considered one of the most important and well-preserved examples of Crusader castles. The name translates to "Knights' Crack" or "Knights' Stronghold" in English.
Creme De Cacao
"Crème de cacao" is a French phrase that refers to a chocolate-flavored liqueur made from cocoa beans. It comes in both dark and white varieties, with the dark version having a more intense chocolate flavor. This liqueur is commonly used in cocktails and desserts.
Creme De La Creme
"Crème de la crème" is a French phrase that means "the best of the best" or "the elite." It refers to the highest quality or most select group of people, items, or things.
Creme De Menthe
Creme de menthe is a green or white sweet mint-flavored liqueur. It is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails or enjoyed as a dessert drink.
Crepe De Chine
Crepe de Chine is a type of fabric made from silk, wool, or synthetic fibers. It has a slightly crinkled texture and a smooth, soft feel. The name comes from the French, "crepe" meaning creped fabric and "de Chine" meaning from China, as it was originally produced there. It's often used for making blouses, dresses, scarves, and other lightweight clothing items.
Cret De La Neige
The phrase "cret de la neige" is not an idiomatic expression in English. It appears to be a French phrase, which when translated directly, means "snow's secret" or "secret of the snow." However, without more context, it's difficult to provide a specific meaning or interpretation for this phrase in English.
Cri De Coeur
A cri de coeur is a French phrase that translates to "cry from the heart" or "soul cry". It refers to a passionate, emotional, or desperate cry or appeal, often from deep within one's soul. It can be used to describe a heartfelt plea, a lament, or a cry of anguish or despair. In literature and poetry, a cri de coeur is often used to convey intense emotions, such as love, longing, or grief.
Cri Du Chat
"Cri du chat" is a French term that translates to "cry of the cat" in English. It refers to a rare genetic disorder caused by a deletion on chromosome 5. This condition is also known as 5p- syndrome or Lejeune syndrome. Affected individuals often have a characteristic high-pitched, cat-like cry, hence the name. It is associated with developmental delays, intellectual disability, and physical abnormalities.
Croix De Guerre
The "Croix de Guerre" is a military decoration awarded in France and some other countries for acts of bravery during war. It was first established during World War I and has been awarded in subsequent conflicts. The medal features a cross-shaped design and is typically worn on a ribbon with various clasps or emblems denoting specific battles or campaigns. It recognizes exceptional courage, valor, or devotion to duty in combat.
Cry Out For
The phrase "cry out for" means to urgently need or demand something, often expressing a strong desire or necessity. It can also refer to literal crying or calling out in pain, distress, or emotion.
Cul De Sac
"Cul-de-sac" is a French term that refers to a dead-end street or alleyway. It is a street that terminates in a closed end, with no through passage. In other contexts, it can also metaphorically mean a situation from which there is no escape or a blind alley.
Cup Of Tea
A "cup of tea" is a common expression referring to a beverage made by steeping tea leaves or bags in hot water. It is typically served in a cup and often enjoyed with milk, sugar, or lemon, depending on personal preference. Beyond its literal meaning, "a cup of tea" can also metaphorically mean something that is appealing or agreeable to someone, as in "That book is right up my alley, it's just my cup of tea."
Cut And Paste
"Cut and paste" is a term commonly used in computing and refers to the action of selecting text, images, or other content, cutting it (removing it from its original location), and then pasting it (inserting it) elsewhere. This function allows users to move or copy information between different parts of a document or different documents altogether. It's a fundamental feature in word processors, graphic design software, and other applications.
Cut And Thrust
"Cut and thrust" refers to a situation where there is a lively exchange of conflicting ideas or arguments, often in a debate or discussion. It describes the back-and-forth nature of such exchanges, where one person presents their point (the "cut"), and the other responds with a counterpoint (the "thrust"). This phrase comes from fencing, where cutting and thrusting are techniques used in sword fighting. In a figurative sense, it represents the verbal sparring that takes place in intellectual or rhetorical contests.
Cut It Off
"Cut it off" is an idiomatic expression that means to stop or terminate something abruptly, typically a conversation, an action, or a relationship. It can also refer to physically cutting or removing an object. In a figurative sense, it implies ending something that is deemed unnecessary, harmful, or not productive.
Cut It Out
"Cut it out" is an informal expression that means to stop doing something, typically when what you're doing is annoying, irritating, or not wanted. It can also be used to tell someone to cease a particular behavior or action.
Cut That Out
"Cut that out" is an idiomatic expression in English, typically used to ask someone to stop doing something annoying or inappropriate. It's a way of telling someone to cease a particular behavior or action.
Cut To The Chase
"Cut to the chase" means to get straight to the point or to skip the unnecessary details and go directly to the important part.
Cyrano De Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac is a character from a 17th-century French play written by Edmond Rostand. The play tells the story of a charismatic, brave, and witty Gascon knight named Cyrano, who has an enormous nose and is deeply in love with his cousin, Roxane. However, due to his self-consciousness about his appearance, he does not confess his love. Instead, he helps a handsome but inarticulate fellow soldier, Christian, to woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. The play explores themes of love, courage, and self-image, and the name "Cyrano de Bergerac" has become synonymous with a person who is eloquent and brave but also insecure.