y avoir de l'eau dans le gaz

French

Etymology

Literally, “for there to be water in the gas”.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /i a.vwaʁ də l‿o dɑ̃ l(ə) ɡaz/

Verb

y avoir de l’eau dans le gaz

1. (informal) for there to be trouble brewing, for there to be tension in the air

   il y a de l’eau dans le gaz ― there's trouble brewing, there's tension in the air

Usage notes

• Often said in the context of a couple about to be arguing.

See also

• battre de l’aile