French Phrase of the Day: Une autre paire de manches
Extra sleeves? With another heatwave forecast?
You might hear it said by bright young French things as they head off to university in September, and they’re not talking about clothes.
Une autre paire de manches, roughly pronounced oon ort-ruh pair de monsh, directly translates as ‘another pair of sleeves’.
But it's really used to signify a change in direction or a new chapter, often in the context of something becoming more difficult - t hink “that’s a different story” or “that’s a whole new ball game”.
As a phrase, it harks back to mediaeval times, when changing sleeves on a garment was a more customary affair than it is in today’s fast-fashion world because they were attached by ribbons or laces. But linguists are torn on the phrase’s precise origin.
Romantic partners may exchange half-sleeves to indicate their attachment, for example, or suiting knights might parade ones given by their lover on their lance or shield.
There’s a class and wealth issue involved because to own a multitude of ‘sleeves’ was an indication that a person had money. Alternatively, it may be linked to the textile industry and the developing skills required to introduce new fashions and styles.
Either way, changing one’s sleeves is synonymous with a change in appearance, and the difficulties that may cause.
Over time, it has broadened its meaning and has come to be associated with changing situations or tasks that may be more difficult than before. Like going away to university to study or starting a new job.
Avoir mon bac, c’était pas très dur. Obtenir ma licence, c’est une autre paire de manches, Passing my bac wasn’t too hard. Getting my bachelor's degree is a whole different story.
