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    de la tête aux pieds

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    This is a fixed adverbial locution constructed with the preposition 'de' (from), the feminine noun 'la tête' (the head), the contracted preposition 'aux' (à + les, to the), and the plural noun 'pieds' (feet). It functions as an adverbial modifier indicating thoroughness, completeness, or full bodily coverage. It typically modifies verbs of dressing, examining, covering, or soaking.

    Sample sentences

    Il a été trempé de la tête aux pieds par l'averse soudaine.

    He was soaked from head to toe by the sudden downpour.

    Elle l'a regardé de la tête aux pieds d'un air méfiant.

    She looked him up and down from head to toe with a suspicious look.

    Pour affronter le blizzard, nous étions couverts de la tête aux pieds.

    To brave the blizzard, we were covered from head to toe.

    Quick facts

    pragmatic_usage:Frequently conveys scrutiny, complete physical state (e.g., wet, dressed, muddy), or overwhelming sensation
    literal_translation:from the head to the feet
    preposition_mechanics:Uses the mandatory contraction 'aux' (à + les) before the plural noun 'pieds'

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    Il a été trempé de la tête aux pieds par l'averse soudaine.

    He was soaked from head to toe by the sudden downpour.

    Elle l'a regardé de la tête aux pieds d'un air méfiant.

    She looked him up and down from head to toe with a suspicious look.

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