Tenir la chandelle

Kabab mein haddi. Aren't we all familiar with that term? It can have different meanings depending on the context. One of the unflattering explanation is undesirable. Recently, when my young friend asked me if I would like to join her and her soon-to-be-visiting boyfriend, my first reaction was the above statement. But the conversation also forms the basis of latest French lessons.

Apparently, the French has a version of this phrase. The equivalent is tenir la chandelle. What does that mean? It means holding the candle. The explanation is rather simple. When you are out on a dinner with a couple, then you inadvertently become the one who is holding the candle when the couple is having a romantic evening.

No, thank you. I don't want to hold the candle.




Comments

  1. MylèneJuly 31, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    I (the young friend) can't believe you're not being at least a little thankful for all the lessons that I give you. Just for that reason you should definetly meet us :) and don't worry, I'll make sure we meet somehow with other people so that you don't feel like you're holding the candle !!! Anyway my soon-to-be-visiting boyfriend really, really wants to meet you.

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    Replies
    1. NonaJuly 31, 2012 at 1:05 PM

      Of course, I am thankful for all the French lessons. Thank you and I am sure you will not make me hold the candle. :p I'm looking for his September visit. :)

      Delete
  2. Firoze Shakir Photographer No1July 31, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    Cest incroyable .. Jaime la langue Francaise .. mais dommage on ne trouve pas wqulqun qui parle Francaise , jao besoin de pratique mais comme on dis avec de la patience on arrive a la toute ..

    Merci

    Nona

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    Replies
    1. NonaJuly 31, 2012 at 4:35 PM

      Wow! Did you write it yourself? J'aime and not jaime. quelque une and not wqulqun.. a mon avis.. mais je ne suis pas expert. :)

      Delete
  3. UnknownAugust 1, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    Such an apt interpretation :)

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  4. Jayashree SrivatsanAugust 1, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    That was interesting!

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  5. indu chhibberAugust 1, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    So how did the meeting go?

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    Replies
    1. NonaAugust 1, 2012 at 9:50 PM

      The meeting hasn't happened yet. This is in September. Check Mylene's comment for more information. :)

      Delete
  6. Maddie MadwolfieJanuary 5, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Awesome, I get to learn both hindi and french in this post! *LOL* shukriya!

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