Idiom help...

[Dave Clements]

Bonjour,

Once upon a time I came across the phrase "Ne met pas votre pied dans la meme sabot" (hope I have that right). Literally, Don't put both feet in the same shoe.

However, as I forget, the literal translation is not the real meaning. Does anyone know the idiom?

Thanks/merci.

[Neil Coffey]

Basically, les deux pieds dans le même sabot means something like "waiting around for things to happen", "not wanting to take any action". So you might say e.g.

 

On ne doit pas rester les deux pieds dans le même sabot.

We/you can't just hang around waiting for things to happen/for other people to do them.

Elle n'a pas les deux pieds dans le même sabot.

She doesn't hang around waiting for things to happen, she likes to take action, she's always on the go.

 

 

[Dave Clements]

Merci, merci! Wow... I am very grateful for your help, and understanding my less than perfect phrase wording. I have had that saying on my mind for some years now and never could find the meaning.  (I have already recommended this site to friends!) Now, on to more idiomatic 'diversion'...