French Conversation · Level 131
45 words
French word
pétrin
Pronunciation
IPA/petʁɛ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nountrouble
Example
Il est dans le pétrin.
He is in trouble.
More examples
Elle s'est mise dans le pétrin en mentant.
She got herself into a predicament by lying.
Core concept
A person is stuck in a trough packed with kneaded dough, with no easy way out.
Common phrases
être dans le pétrin
be in a predicament
se mettre dans le pétrin
get oneself into a predicament
mettre quelqu'un dans le pétrin
get someone into a predicament
Similar words
problème: A troublesome matter requiring a solution.
difficulté: An obstacle that hinders an action or task.
embarras: An awkward or confusing state that makes action difficult.
complication: An additional problem that makes progress more difficult.
Definition in French
Situation embarrassante ou périlleuse qui rend difficile toute issue facile.
Word origin
Pétrin originally named a large vessel for kneading bread dough, and French extended the word to a difficult situation that traps someone.
Usage tips
- The fixed expression is être dans le pétrin, while mettre quelqu'un dans le pétrin means causing someone to get into trouble.