donner le la

French

Etymology

Literally, “to give the A” (the musical note). Compare Italian dare il la.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dɔ.ne lə la/

• Audio

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Verb

donner le la

1. (music) to give the tuning note
2. (figuratively) to set the pace, to set the tone

See also

• donner le ton
• donner l’exemple