les doigts dans le nez
French
editEtymology
editLiterally, “[with] the fingers in the nose”. Borrowed from the jargon of horse racing, the expression "les doigts dans le nez" was coined in 1912. This phrase symbolizes the great ease with which the jockey wins his race, to such an extent that instead of paying full attention to it, he innocently takes the time to put his fingers in his nose.
Pronunciation
editAdverb
edit- (figuratively, informal) hands down, one-handed, standing on one's head, with one hand tied behind one's back (very easily)
- Synonym: les yeux fermés
Descendants
edit- → Dutch: met de vingers in de neus (calque)