fil rouge

French

Etymology

Literally “red thread.” Probably a calque of German roter Faden (literally “red thread”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /fil ʁuʒ/

Noun

fil rouge m (plural fils rouges)

1. (figuratively) common thread, central theme, governing principle

   Synonym: fil conducteur

See also

• fil d’Ariane
• leitmotiv