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manger sur le pouce (to eat on the go)

Grammar & Usage

idiomatic verbal phrase

informal

How it works

This idiomatic expression combines the regular first-group verb 'manger' with the prepositional locution 'sur le pouce' (literally 'on the thumb'). The verb 'manger' conjugates normally across tenses, persons, and moods, while 'sur le pouce' functions as an invariant adverbial modifier of manner. The phrase can also be used with other food-related verbs like 'déjeuner' or 'prendre un repas'.

Sample sentences

Je n'ai que vingt minutes ce midi, je vais juste manger sur le pouce.

I only have twenty minutes this lunch break, I'm just going to grab a quick bite.

Entre deux réunions, nous avons dû manger un sandwich sur le pouce.

Between two meetings, we had to eat a sandwich on the go.

Elle préfère manger sur le pouce plutôt que de perdre du temps au restaurant.

She prefers eating on the run rather than wasting time at a restaurant.

Quick facts

verb_group:1st group (-er verb)

literal_meaning:to eat on the thumb

historical_origin:Originates from 19th-century workers who cut bread and meat using a pocketknife resting against the thumb, without sitting down at a table.

Often used with

déjeuner sur le pouce

un repas sur le pouce

avaler un sandwich sur le pouce

grignoter sur le pouce

Mnemonic

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Example

Je n'ai que vingt minutes ce midi, je vais juste manger sur le pouce.

I only have twenty minutes this lunch break, I'm just going to grab a quick bite.

Entre deux réunions, nous avons dû manger un sandwich sur le pouce.

Between two meetings, we had to eat a sandwich on the go.