être réglé comme du papier à musique
To feel good
직역: to be set like music paper
Use this to describe a plan or routine that runs perfectly and predictably like clockwork.
15초 만에
- Used for things that are perfectly organized and predictable.
- Compares a schedule to the precise lines of music paper.
- Implies that everything is running exactly as planned.
- Best for professional or logistical contexts.
뜻
This phrase describes something that is perfectly organized, predictable, or runs like clockwork. It is used when a plan, a schedule, or a person's habits are extremely precise and leave nothing to chance.
주요 예문
3 / 6Describing a successful business event
La conférence était réglée comme du papier à musique.
The conference ran like clockwork.
Talking about a friend's strict routine
Sa vie est réglée comme du papier à musique, il ne change jamais rien.
His life is set like clockwork; he never changes a thing.
Planning a trip with a group
Ne t'inquiète pas, l'itinéraire est réglé comme du papier à musique.
Don't worry, the itinerary is perfectly organized.
문화적 배경
The phrase originates from the meticulous process of ruling musical staves by hand before printing became common. It reflects a French cultural appreciation for 'rigueur' (rigor) and the idea that beauty and success come from following a strict, harmonious framework. It became widely popularized in the 19th century as a way to praise military or industrial efficiency.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this sarcastically when someone is being too rigid or 'boring'. If a friend refuses to stay out late because they always sleep at 10 PM, a little `réglé comme du papier à musique` might tease them perfectly.
Don't mix your papers
Make sure you say `papier à musique` and not `papier journal` or `papier toilette`. It sounds obvious, but in the heat of the moment, learners sometimes grab the wrong noun!
15초 만에
- Used for things that are perfectly organized and predictable.
- Compares a schedule to the precise lines of music paper.
- Implies that everything is running exactly as planned.
- Best for professional or logistical contexts.
What It Means
Imagine a sheet of staff paper used for composing music. The lines are perfectly straight. The spacing is exact. Everything has a specific place. When you say something is réglé comme du papier à musique, you mean it is flawlessly organized. It implies a high level of precision. There are no surprises here. Everything follows a pre-established rhythm. It is the opposite of chaos. It is the ultimate compliment for a well-oiled machine.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to describe systems or schedules. You can apply it to a project at work. You can use it for your morning routine. It usually follows the verb être. For example, C'est réglé comme du papier à musique. It sounds sophisticated but remains very clear. You are basically saying, "This plan is foolproof."
When To Use It
Use it when a complex event goes perfectly. Think of a wedding where every guest sat down on time. Use it for a colleague who arrives at exactly 8:02 AM every day. It is perfect for professional debriefs. It also works when describing a travel itinerary. If your train, bus, and flight all connected perfectly, this is your phrase. It shows you appreciate order and reliability.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for feelings or emotions. It is about logistics and timing, not your mood. If you are feeling happy, this won't work. Avoid using it for creative, messy processes. If a party is wild and spontaneous, this phrase doesn't fit. It implies a lack of flexibility. Do not use it if you are annoyed by someone's rigidity. Unless you are being sarcastic, of course!
Cultural Background
France has a long history of valuing administrative precision and formal structure. This expression dates back to the 18th century. Back then, music paper was hand-ruled with a 'rastrum'. This tool ensured every line was identical. This mechanical perfection became the gold standard for organization. It reflects the French love for 'le travail bien fait' (work well done). It suggests that harmony comes from strict adherence to a set structure.
Common Variations
You might hear réglé comme une horloge (set like a clock). This is very similar but feels a bit more mechanical. Some people simply say c'est du papier à musique. This shortened version is common in fast-paced offices. Both versions convey that the situation is under total control. You will sound like a local if you use either.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any register. Just remember it describes the *organization* of a situation, not the *quality* of your emotions.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this sarcastically when someone is being too rigid or 'boring'. If a friend refuses to stay out late because they always sleep at 10 PM, a little `réglé comme du papier à musique` might tease them perfectly.
Don't mix your papers
Make sure you say `papier à musique` and not `papier journal` or `papier toilette`. It sounds obvious, but in the heat of the moment, learners sometimes grab the wrong noun!
The Musical Connection
The French often use musical metaphors for order. Just as a symphony needs a score, a French person feels a good plan needs a 'partition' (sheet music) to follow.
예시
6La conférence était réglée comme du papier à musique.
The conference ran like clockwork.
Highlights that the timing and organization were perfect.
Sa vie est réglée comme du papier à musique, il ne change jamais rien.
His life is set like clockwork; he never changes a thing.
Can be slightly observational or even a bit teasing.
Ne t'inquiète pas, l'itinéraire est réglé comme du papier à musique.
Don't worry, the itinerary is perfectly organized.
Reassures others that the plan is solid.
Le lancement est prêt, c'est réglé comme du papier à musique !
The launch is ready, it's all set like clockwork!
Uses the phrase to show confidence in the preparation.
Notre rendez-vous était réglé comme du papier à musique, un peu trop peut-être.
Our date was perfectly choreographed, maybe a bit too much.
Humorously suggests the date lacked spontaneity.
Le défilé était réglé comme du papier à musique.
The parade was timed to perfection.
Used in a formal context to praise precision.
셀프 테스트
Complete the sentence to describe a perfect schedule.
Tout est prêt pour le mariage, c'est réglé comme du ___ à musique.
The full idiom is `papier à musique`, referring to the lined paper used for musical notation.
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Son emploi du temps ___ réglé comme du papier à musique.
The idiom uses the verb `être` (to be) to describe the state of organization.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends about their habits.
T'es réglé comme du papier à musique, toi !
Standard use for projects or events.
Le projet est réglé comme du papier à musique.
Used in official reports or ceremonies.
La cérémonie fut réglée comme du papier à musique.
When to use 'Papier à Musique'
Work Projects
A launch with zero delays.
Travel Plans
Train connections that match perfectly.
Daily Habits
Someone who eats at exactly 12:00.
Events
A wedding where everything is on time.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, that is a common misconception. It strictly means that something is well-organized or predictable, like C'est réglé comme du papier à musique.
Yes, you can say Il est réglé comme du papier à musique to describe someone who is very punctual or has a very fixed routine.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
The closest equivalents are 'to run like clockwork' or 'to be like a well-oiled machine'.
Only if you are being ironic. If a room is messy, you would never use this phrase seriously.
Not at all. While it has old roots, it is still very common in modern French offices and daily life.
Usually, yes. The verb réglé (set/adjusted) is key to the meaning of being 'tuned' like an instrument or a score.
No, the correct preposition is à. It must be papier à musique.
Sometimes. While it usually praises efficiency, it can imply a lack of soul or spontaneity if used in a creative context.
If the steps are followed with extreme precision, you could say the process was réglé comme du papier à musique.
관련 표현
Réglé comme une horloge
Set like a clock / Running like clockwork
Suivre à la lettre
To follow to the letter (exactly)
Une machine bien huilée
A well-oiled machine
Carré
Square (slang for someone very organized/straightforward)
댓글 (0)
로그인하여 댓글 달기무료로 언어 학습 시작하기
무료로 학습 시작