B2 Idiom 중립 2분 분량

passer aux aveux

To have instinct

직역: to pass to the confessions

Use this when someone finally admits the truth after a period of denial or secrecy.

15초 만에

  • To confess or admit to something hidden or denied.
  • Commonly used in detective stories and dramatic personal reveals.
  • Translates literally as 'to pass to the confessions'.

This phrase means to finally confess or own up to something you've been hiding. It's that moment when you stop making excuses and tell the truth.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

A child admitting to breaking a toy

Après dix minutes, le petit a fini par passer aux aveux.

After ten minutes, the little one finally confessed.

🤝
2

In a police procedural show

Le suspect est passé aux aveux après un long interrogatoire.

The suspect confessed after a long interrogation.

💼
3

A friend admitting they have a crush

Alors, tu vas passer aux aveux ? Tu l'aimes, n'est-ce pas ?

So, are you going to come clean? You love him, don't you?

😄
🌍

문화적 배경

The term originates from the French judicial tradition where a formal confession (aveu) was the primary goal of an investigation. In modern pop culture, it is frequently used in 'polars' (French detective novels and films) to describe the climactic moment a suspect breaks down under interrogation.

💡

The 'Detective' Vibe

Using this phrase in casual conversation makes you sound like a character in a French noir film. Use it to add a playful, dramatic flair to small secrets.

⚠️

Not about Instinct

Don't confuse this with 'avoir du flair' or 'avoir l'instinct'. This phrase is strictly about verbal confession, not gut feelings.

15초 만에

  • To confess or admit to something hidden or denied.
  • Commonly used in detective stories and dramatic personal reveals.
  • Translates literally as 'to pass to the confessions'.

What It Means

Passer aux aveux is all about coming clean. Imagine you've been holding a secret for weeks. Maybe you ate the last cookie. Maybe you broke a vase. When you finally admit it, you are passant aux aveux. It implies a transition from silence to honesty. It is more than just talking. It is a formal or semi-formal admission of guilt or truth.

How To Use It

You use this phrase like a standard verb. It follows the subject. For example, Il a fini par passer aux aveux. This means 'He finally confessed.' You can use it for serious crimes. You can also use it for tiny, silly secrets. It adds a bit of drama to the conversation. It feels like a scene from a detective movie.

When To Use It

Use it when someone has been dodging a question. It works perfectly in a police context. However, it is great for friendships too. Use it when your friend finally admits they like someone. Use it when a colleague admits they forgot to send an email. It fits any situation where a truth was hidden. It is perfect for that 'aha!' moment.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it for casual, everyday sharing. If you are just telling a story, it is too heavy. Avoid it for 'instinct' despite what some old mistranslations suggest. It is not about a 'gut feeling.' It is strictly about admitting a fact or a fault. Don't use it if the person was always being honest. It requires a prior period of secrecy or denial.

Cultural Background

This phrase has deep roots in the French legal system. An aveu is a formal confession in court. Historically, it was the 'queen of proofs' in French law. Today, the French love using legal terms for dramatic effect. It turns a small domestic argument into a mock trial. It shows the French flair for theatricality in daily life.

Common Variations

You might hear passer à table. This is the slang version. It literally means 'to go to the table.' It implies 'squealing' or 'snitching' to the police. Another variation is faire des aveux complets. This means giving a full, detailed confession. Stick to passer aux aveux for a balanced, natural feel.

사용 참고사항

The phrase is neutral and versatile. It is safe to use with your boss, your parents, or your friends. Just remember it implies that the truth was previously withheld.

💡

The 'Detective' Vibe

Using this phrase in casual conversation makes you sound like a character in a French noir film. Use it to add a playful, dramatic flair to small secrets.

⚠️

Not about Instinct

Don't confuse this with 'avoir du flair' or 'avoir l'instinct'. This phrase is strictly about verbal confession, not gut feelings.

💬

The Slang Alternative

If you want to sound very 'street', use 'passer à table'. It literally means to sit at the table, but it's underworld slang for talking to the cops.

예시

6
#1 A child admitting to breaking a toy
🤝

Après dix minutes, le petit a fini par passer aux aveux.

After ten minutes, the little one finally confessed.

Uses the phrase for a minor, relatable domestic situation.

#2 In a police procedural show
💼

Le suspect est passé aux aveux après un long interrogatoire.

The suspect confessed after a long interrogation.

The most literal and traditional use of the phrase.

#3 A friend admitting they have a crush
😄

Alors, tu vas passer aux aveux ? Tu l'aimes, n'est-ce pas ?

So, are you going to come clean? You love him, don't you?

Used playfully to tease a friend about a secret.

#4 A colleague admitting a mistake
💭

Je dois passer aux aveux : j'ai perdu le dossier.

I have to confess: I lost the file.

Used to introduce a difficult admission in a professional setting.

#5 Texting about a surprise party
😊

Elle a failli passer aux aveux hier soir !

She almost spilled the beans last night!

Informal context regarding keeping a secret.

#6 A politician admitting a scandal
👔

Le ministre a refusé de passer aux aveux malgré les preuves.

The minister refused to confess despite the evidence.

Formal context involving public figures.

셀프 테스트

Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence.

Il a fini par ___ aux aveux devant la police.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: passer

The idiom is always 'passer aux aveux', never 'donner' or 'dire'.

Complete the phrase for a friend who is hiding a secret.

Allez, arrête de mentir et passe ___ !

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: aux aveux

'Passe aux aveux' is the imperative form used to tell someone to come clean.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of 'Passer aux aveux'

Slang

Passer à table

Il a balancé ses potes.

Neutral

Passer aux aveux

Il est passé aux aveux.

Formal

Faire une confession

Il a consigné ses aveux.

When to use 'Passer aux aveux'

Passer aux aveux
👮

Police Interrogation

The thief confesses.

❤️

Romantic Reveal

Admitting a crush.

💼

Work Mistake

Owning a blunder.

🧒

Childhood Mischief

Admitting to a broken vase.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, that is a common error in some older databases. It means 'to confess' or 'to come clean'. For instinct, use avoir du flair.

Not at all! You can use it when a friend admits they ate your yogurt in the fridge. It adds a funny, dramatic touch to everyday life.

Yes, if someone is admitting to a mistake or a delay. It is neutral enough for professional settings like Je passe aux aveux : le projet est en retard.

The singular is un aveu. However, the idiom almost always uses the plural aux aveux.

No, it is not rude. It is a standard, descriptive phrase. It can be playful or serious depending on your tone.

You conjugate the verb passer. For example: Je passe, Tu passes, Il est passé (in the passé composé).

Avouer is the simple verb 'to confess'. Passer aux aveux is more idiomatic and emphasizes the process of finally giving in to the truth.

Usually, it's for something hidden or slightly negative. But you could use it for a 'secret' positive thing, like admitting you were the one who left a gift.

Yes, it is very common in news reports, literature, and daily conversation.

Using the wrong preposition. Always say passer AUX aveux, not passer DES aveux.

관련 표현

Cracher le morceau (to spit it out/to confess)

Avouer ses torts (to admit one's faults)

Vider son sac (to get it off one's chest)

Passer à table (to snitch/confess - slang)

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