numéroter ses abattis

French

Etymology

Literally, “to count one's limbs.”

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ny.me.ʁɔ.te se.z‿a.ba.ti/

• Audio (Lyon):

  (file)

Verb

numéroter ses abattis

1. to check how many limbs one has, either before a battle as a way of preparing for combat, or after it, to check that one is all in one piece
2. (figuratively) to get loaded for bear, to brace oneself

See also

• en un seul morceau