boire la tasse
Grammar & Usage
How it works
Formed by the irregular verb 'boire' followed by the definite direct object 'la tasse'. It conjugates according to the standard conjugation of 'boire' (e.g., il a bu la tasse). While originally used literally for swallowing seawater or pool water accidentally, it is also used figuratively to describe suffering a severe financial or professional setback.
Sample sentences
En apprenant à nager dans les vagues, le petit garçon a bu la tasse plusieurs fois.
While learning to swim in the waves, the little boy swallowed water several times.
Fais attention quand tu plonges, tu risques de boire la tasse !
Be careful when you dive, you might swallow some water!
Avec cette mauvaise gestion des stocks, la start-up a bu la tasse dès sa première année.
With such poor inventory management, the start-up went under in its very first year.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
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Example
En apprenant à nager dans les vagues, le petit garçon a bu la tasse plusieurs fois.
While learning to swim in the waves, the little boy swallowed water several times.
Fais attention quand tu plonges, tu risques de boire la tasse !
Be careful when you dive, you might swallow some water!
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