avoir du flair

You use it like a regular verb. Just conjugate avoir to match your subject. You can say J'ai eu du flair for the past. Or Tu as du flair to compliment a friend. It works perfectly when someone makes a lucky guess. Except, it wasn't luck—it was their talent. Use it to describe business moves or social reads. It sounds sophisticated but very natural.

Use it when your friend picks a winning horse. Use it when a colleague predicts a market crash. It is great for praising someone's foresight. At a restaurant, use it if someone orders the best dish. 'You really had the flair for the truffle pasta!' It feels like a high-five for their brain. It is common in professional and casual settings alike.

Do not use it for physical discomfort. (That was a common mistake in the prompt!) If your shoes are tight, do not use this. If you are embarrassed, this is not the phrase. It is strictly about intuition and insight. Also, avoid using it for obvious things. If the sun is out, you don't need 'flair' to know it's hot. Save it for the subtle, hidden stuff.

This phrase comes from the world of hunting. Dogs with 'flair' were the most valuable. They could track prey through thick forests. Over time, the French applied this to humans. It moved from the forest to the boardroom. It reflects the French appreciation for 'finesse' and intelligence. It is a very positive trait in French culture.

Sometimes people say avoir le nez creux. This literally means 'to have a hollow nose.' It means exactly the same thing. You might also hear avoir du pif. Le pif is slang for nose. That version is much more informal. Stick to avoir du flair for a classier vibe. It never goes out of style.