French Expression of the Day: Se sentir pousser des ailes

This French expression doesn't actually mean you're growing any sort of wings.

This expression is useful to know once you've accomplished something.

The expression se sentir pousser des ailes , roughly pronounced suh sahn-teer poo-say day zell (listen here ), literally translates to "to grow wings". In reality, it means "to feel unstoppable" or "empowered".

The expression is used when someone gains confidence after a success or positive experience, and suddenly feels capable of doing much more than before.

In myths and popular imagination, wings are often associated with supernatural beings such as the winged horse Pegasus, giving them the power to fly. As a result, wings have come to symbolise freedom, confidence, and the ability to rise above one's limits.

Although se sentir pousser des ailes is usually positive, its tone depends on the context. Most often, it describes someone who has gained confidence after a success, but it can also be used with a touch of irony to suggest that someone is becoming overconfident or getting carried away.

In that sense, the expression implies that a person's newfound confidence may have gone to their head. Even then, it is generally light-hearted rather than insulting.

Depuis qu'elle a obtenu sa promotion, elle se sent pousser des ailes. - Since getting her promotion, she feels way more confident.

Après sa victoire, il s'est senti pousser des ailes. - After his victory, he felt unstoppable.

Quelques mots d'encouragement lui ont donné confiance. Il s'est senti pousser des ailes. - A few words of encouragement gave him confidence. He felt like he could do anything.