French leave Meaning in English
expression
ˈfɹɛntʃ/ /ˈɫiv
FRENCH leev
fɹˈɛntʃ/ /lˈiːv
fRENCH LEEV
Definition
To leave a place or event without telling anyone or saying goodbye, usually quietly and without formal permission.
Usage & Nuances
'French leave' is slightly old-fashioned and can sound formal or even humorous; more common modern expressions are 'to ghost' or 'Irish goodbye'. It often implies leaving without fulfilling social etiquette. Usually used for parties or work.
Spanish: irse sin avisar - marcharse a la francesaPortuguese (BR): sair à francesa - sair sem avisarPortuguese (PT): sair à francesa - sair sem avisarChinese (Simplified): 不告而别Chinese (Traditional): 不告而別Hindi: बिना बताए चले जानाArabic: الانصراف دون إذنBengali: বিনা জানিয়ে চলে যাওয়াRussian: уйти по-английскиJapanese: 黙って立ち去るVietnamese: rời đi mà không thông báoKorean: 말도 없이 떠나다Turkish: sessizce ayrılmak - izin almadan gitmekUrdu: بغیر بتائے چلے جاناIndonesian: pergi diam-diam tanpa pamit
Example Sentences
She took French leave from the party last night.
basic
Some employees take French leave on Fridays.
basic
He made a French leave during the meeting.
basic
I didn't even notice when she pulled a French leave.
natural
Doing a French leave is risky—you could miss something important.
natural
He always does a French leave at family gatherings—no goodbyes at all.
natural