prendre le mors aux dents
To hit the target
Wörtlich: To take the bit between the teeth
Use this when someone moves from hesitation to high-speed action on a difficult project.
In 15 Sekunden
- To suddenly start working with intense energy and determination.
- Derived from a horse gripping its bit to take control.
- Used for sudden productivity or tackling a difficult task head-on.
Bedeutung
This phrase describes someone who suddenly gets a burst of energy or motivation to tackle a task. It is like when you finally stop procrastinating and dive headfirst into a project with total focus.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Starting a big project
Après des semaines d'hésitation, elle a enfin pris le mors aux dents.
After weeks of hesitation, she finally took the bit between her teeth.
Cleaning the house
J'ai pris le mors aux dents et j'ai nettoyé toute la cuisine.
I got a burst of energy and cleaned the whole kitchen.
A student studying for exams
L'examen est demain, alors il a pris le mors aux dents ce soir.
The exam is tomorrow, so he really got down to work tonight.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Originating from 17th-century equestrian culture, this phrase reflects the transition from a horse being steered to a horse taking charge. While it originally implied a loss of control, modern French culture uses it to celebrate a sudden, productive work ethic. It is a favorite among managers and coaches to describe a 'second wind.'
The Horse Imagery
If you forget the phrase, just visualize a horse running wild. It helps you remember that the 'bit' (le mors) is in the 'teeth' (aux dents).
Not for Accuracy
Don't use this to mean 'you are correct.' In English, 'hitting the target' can mean being right, but in French, this phrase is strictly about energy and effort.
In 15 Sekunden
- To suddenly start working with intense energy and determination.
- Derived from a horse gripping its bit to take control.
- Used for sudden productivity or tackling a difficult task head-on.
What It Means
Imagine a horse that decides it is done following orders. It grips the metal bit between its teeth so the rider cannot pull back. In French, prendre le mors aux dents means you have suddenly taken control. You are working with intense, almost unstoppable energy. It is that moment you stop overthinking and just start doing. You are not just 'hitting a target'; you are charging toward it.
How To Use It
You use this when someone starts a task with sudden passion. It follows the standard conjugation of the verb prendre. For example, J'ai pris le mors aux dents. It often implies a shift from being lazy to being very busy. Use it to describe yourself or a colleague who is on a roll. It sounds active and determined. It is perfect for describing a 'crunch time' vibe.
When To Use It
Use it when you finally start that spring cleaning. Use it when a teammate finishes a week of work in two hours. It fits perfectly in professional settings when a project gets urgent. It is great for sports when a team starts a comeback. You can also use it for hobbies or personal goals. If you finally started that novel, you have pris le mors aux dents.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for slow, steady progress. It is about a sudden, forceful start. Avoid using it for relaxing activities like watching Netflix. It does not work for literal archery or shooting targets. If you are just 'correct' about a fact, use tomber juste instead. It is too energetic for a funeral or a very somber event. Keep it for moments of action and productivity.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes straight from the world of horse riding. A horse that takes the bit in its teeth is no longer under control. Historically, it was a bit scary for the rider! Over time, the meaning shifted from 'out of control' to 'highly motivated.' It reflects the French appreciation for sudden bursts of passion. It shows that sometimes, you need to ignore the 'reins' to get things done.
Common Variations
You might hear s'emballer, which is a bit more about getting carried away. Another similar vibe is se mettre au travail for simply starting work. However, prendre le mors aux dents is much more descriptive. It paints a picture of grit and determination. Some people might just say il est lancé to mean he is off and running. Stick to the original for the most impact.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral and versatile. Ensure you conjugate `prendre` correctly according to the subject and tense.
The Horse Imagery
If you forget the phrase, just visualize a horse running wild. It helps you remember that the 'bit' (le mors) is in the 'teeth' (aux dents).
Not for Accuracy
Don't use this to mean 'you are correct.' In English, 'hitting the target' can mean being right, but in French, this phrase is strictly about energy and effort.
The 'Second Wind' Secret
French speakers often use this when someone was previously lazy. It's a bit of a backhanded compliment—it implies you weren't doing much before!
Beispiele
6Après des semaines d'hésitation, elle a enfin pris le mors aux dents.
After weeks of hesitation, she finally took the bit between her teeth.
Shows the transition from procrastination to action.
J'ai pris le mors aux dents et j'ai nettoyé toute la cuisine.
I got a burst of energy and cleaned the whole kitchen.
Used for a sudden domestic cleaning spree.
L'examen est demain, alors il a pris le mors aux dents ce soir.
The exam is tomorrow, so he really got down to work tonight.
Describes last-minute intense focus.
Je ne voulais pas y aller, mais j'ai pris le mors aux dents !
I didn't want to go, but I just went for it!
Casual way to describe overcoming laziness.
L'équipe a pris le mors aux dents pour finir le rapport à temps.
The team really stepped up to finish the report on time.
Professional praise for hard work.
Il a pris le mors aux dents pour choisir une pizza pendant une heure.
He went all out just to choose a pizza for an hour.
Sarcastic use for over-exerting effort on something small.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence to show sudden motivation.
Face à la difficulté, Marc a ___ le mors aux dents.
The verb used in this idiom is always `prendre` (to take).
Which context fits this phrase best?
Julie ___ car elle veut finir son livre avant ce soir.
Finishing a book requires the sudden burst of energy the phrase describes.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale
Used with friends when you finally start a video game or chore.
Allez, prends le mors aux dents !
Perfect for the office or describing a student's effort.
Il a pris le mors aux dents pour son projet.
Used in literature or speeches to describe a nation or group taking action.
Le peuple a pris le mors aux dents.
When to use 'Prendre le mors aux dents'
Exam Season
Studying 10 hours straight.
Office Deadlines
Finishing a presentation in record time.
Fitness
Finally starting that marathon training.
Home Projects
Painting the whole house in one weekend.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot necessarily. While a horse taking the bit might be angry, in people, it usually just means you are very determined, like Elle a pris le mors aux dents pour réussir.
Yes! It is very common when an athlete suddenly accelerates or plays much harder to win a match.
No. To say someone is exactly right, use Tu as tapé dans le mille instead.
No, the 's' is silent. It sounds like 'mor'. Think of the word 'more' in English but shorter.
Yes, it shows you have drive. You could say: Quand j'ai un objectif, je prends le mors aux dents.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe to use with your boss or your grandmother.
You could say baisser les bras (to give up) or traîner les pieds (to drag one's feet).
Mostly, but it can apply to any activity requiring effort, like learning a difficult song on the piano.
Absolutely. You would say Ils ont pris le mors aux dents to describe a team effort.
It has historical roots, but it is still very much in use today in newspapers and daily conversation.
Verwandte Redewendungen
S'y mettre à fond
Taper dans le mille
Brûler les étapes
Mettre les bouchées doubles
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