French Conversation · Level 192
15 words
French word
caler
Pronunciation
IPA/kale/
Meaning
- verbwedge
Example
J'ai calé la porte avec un coussin.
I wedged the door open with a cushion.
More examples
La voiture a calé au feu.
The car stalled at the traffic light.
Core concept
A stabilizing fit that prevents movement and, by extension, brings movement or timing into the right alignment.
Common phrases
caler la porte
wedge the door
caler le moteur
cause the engine to stall
caler un rendez-vous
arrange an appointment
Similar words
bloquer: Block movement or a passage so that progress becomes impossible.
fixer: Attach an object firmly with screws, glue, or similar means.
coincer: Push an object into a tight space so that it cannot move.
s'arrêter: Come to a stop, especially when referring to a machine or body.
Definition in French
Fixer ou immobiliser quelque chose en le calant; caler peut aussi signifier qu'un moteur s'arrête brusquement, et se caler veut dire s'ajuster à un horaire, un rythme ou une position.
Word origin
Cale supplied the concrete noun behind caler, whose uses broaden from securing an object with a support to a motor stopping and a person settling into a position or schedule.
Usage tips
- In se caler sur, the preposition sur introduces the model or reference being matched, as in se caler sur un horaire or se caler sur le rythme.