Why We Launched the “Lost in Translation” Series
At Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, we don’t just share great wines – we love sharing French culture too. And that often means answering the big questions from our British visitors: “What does that expression even mean?”
Over the years – and a few cross-Channel trips – we’ve discovered that while Brits say “it’s raining cats and dogs”, the French say “il pleut des cordes” (literally, “it’s raining ropes”). Neither makes much sense… but both make us laugh.
So, we thought: why not turn our favourite idioms into something fun and visual? That’s how our “Lost in Translation” Reels were born – a cheeky wink to the quirks that make French and English cultures so different... and yet somehow get along (most of the time ?).
We take classic French expressions, translate them word-for-word into English, and act them out in the shop. The result?
A splash of humour, a dash of wine, and a whole lot of “What did I just watch?”
That’s how our Instagram and Facebook reel series “Lost in Translation” was born.
We take famous French idioms, translate them literally into English, and act them out in our shop. The result? Pure comedy – and a fun way to discover France beyond the bottle.
We had an absolute blast creating these videos – and we hope you’ll enjoy them just as much as we did. Santé!
The Funniest French Expressions (and What They Really Mean)
French is full of quirky idioms. Here are some of our favourites from the series ?
? “Fingers in the nose” (les doigts dans le nez)
Meaning: something super easy.
In English, you’d say “a piece of cake.” In France, we celebrate ease... by shoving fingers up our noses. Don’t ask why – it just is.
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At Calais Vins, claiming your VAT refund?
Fingers in the nose.
Snapping up a Crémant for under £7?
Fingers in the nose.
Leaving with a boot full of wine and a smile on your face?
Well, you get the idea.
“Not to break three legs to a duck” (ne pas casser trois pattes à un canard)
Literally: not to break three legs to a duck.
Meaning: nothing out of the ordinary, not impressive.
It may sound absurd – and it is. In French, saying “it doesn’t break three legs to a duck” means it’s nothing special. The poor duck is just a metaphor for mediocrity.
But at Calais Vins?
Our wines do break three legs to a duck
They’re exceptional, unforgettable, and a little bit cheeky. Just how we like them. ??
? “I have other cats to whip” (avoir d’autres chats à fouetter)
Literally: I have other cats to whip.
Meaning: I have more important things to do.
Don’t worry – we never whip cats. But yes, sometimes we’re busy helping our customers pick the perfect Bordeaux. ??
?? “Don’t push granny in the nettles” (ne pas pousser mémé dans les orties)
Literally: don’t push granny in the nettles.
Meaning: don’t exaggerate / don’t go too far.
We promise: no grannies were harmed in the making of this reel. But plenty of laughs were shared in the shop!
? “To fart higher than your bottom” (péter plus haut que son cul)
Literally: to fart higher than your bottom.
Meaning: to be pretentious.
French humour can be earthy… but hey, wine is always a good leveller.
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? “To spit in the soup” (cracher dans la soupe)
Literally: to spit in the soup.
Meaning: to be ungrateful or to complain about something good.
We don’t spit in the soup here – especially when it’s paired with a delicious glass of Saint-Émilion. But when someone grumbles about tax-free wine and free ferry crossings… well, that’s proper soupe-spitting behaviour, isn’t it?
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Wine, Culture & Humour – Why It Works Together
At Calais Vins and Olivier Vins, we know that wine shopping isn’t just about picking bottles off a shelf. It’s about the experience: tasting, learning, laughing, and discovering French culture.
Our team genuinely loves chatting with our British visitors – whether it’s to recommend a hidden gem, explain a quirky idiom, or simply share a good laugh at the tasting bar. It’s these friendly, spontaneous moments that turn a wine stop into something memorable.
Our “Lost in Translation” reels are a playful way to connect with our British audience, making you feel at home while giving you a taste of French life. And yes, every episode comes with a little glass of humour. ?
Where to Watch the Full Series
You can catch the full “Lost in Translation” series on:
Follow us for regular episodes – and don’t be surprised if you start quoting French idioms during your next dinner party!
Plan Your Own “Grape Escape” in Calais
Want to experience French wine, culture and humour in real life? Visit us at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins – just minutes from the Eurotunnel and ferry.
? Tip: Pre-order €300+ online and get your ferry crossing with P&O included.
And yes, we still have a few 3-day trips left – simply select Day Trip and add the comment LastMinute3Days at checkout. Our team will adjust it manually (while spots last!).