To take French leave 🫴🇫🇷🚶

Meaning

To depart from a place or gathering without informing one's host or superior, or without obtaining permission.

Origin

During the fiercely contested Seven Years' War in the mid-18th century, a sneering joke spread among British soldiers. They observed that French officers had a habit of departing from social gatherings without the customary farewells, a breach of etiquette they dubbed 'French leave'. This sarcastic jab at French manners soon extended to military contexts, implying a soldier's unauthorized absence or desertion. Ironically, the French reciprocated the jibe, using 'filer à l'anglaise' (to slip away English-style) to describe the very same act.

To take French leave represented with emoji🫴🇫🇷🚶

This playful arrangement of emojis elegantly captures the delightful notion of 'to take French leave.' It functions as a whimsical prompt, inviting us to consider the subtle art of a swift and unannounced departure, leaving behind only the faintest echo of one's presence. Note how the gesture of the hand, the iconic symbol of France, and the figure in motion coalesce to tell a story of graceful, perhaps even mischievous, exit.

Examples

• After the rather dull party, Sarah decided to take French leave and slipped out before saying goodbye to anyone.
• The junior officer was sternly warned for taking French leave from his assigned post during the night watch.