Learning french: when and why do we say avoir le compas dans l'œil?

SAY THIS TO DESCRIBE SOMEONE WITH GOOD VISUAL JUDGEMENT OF SIZE OR DISTANCE Having a compass in your eye may sound like a painful and dangerous ordeal, but rest assured, the French only use

this expression in a figurative sense.  It refers to someone who has a talent for visually judging size, distance or dimensions. We look at the origins behind this saying and give tips for

how and when you can use it. WHAT DOES AVOIR LE COMPAS DANS L'ŒIL MEAN? There is no real English equivalent to this French phrase that literally translates as: to have a compass in your

eye.  It refers to the natural ability to accurately judge size or distance without requiring measuring tools or equipment - using sight alone.  It can also imply that someone pays close

attention to details. Read also: Learning French: jeter un coup d’œil and other eye expressions WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF AVOIR LE COMPAS DANS L'ŒIL? A compass is a geometric tool used by

mathematicians, architects, designers and artists to draw circles and measure distances.  It features two thin metal bars which are hinged together - one with a sharp point at the end and

the other holding a pencil or piece of lead.  Compasses were also commonly used to calculate distance and direction. In the context of navigation and cartography, the tool was used to plot

routes using geographical coordinates on a map.  Avoir le compas dans l'œil is therefore a metaphor comparing a person’s visual judgment of size and distance to the precision of a

compass.  Read also: Learning French: what is the difference between voir and voire? WHEN DO YOU SAY AVOIR LE COMPAS DANS L'ŒIL? Say this to someone who is good at estimating size or

distance: You can also negate the phrase before making a size judgment as a way of highlighting that you are not 100% certain:  Read also: Learning French: what does nickel mean and when

should it be used? TO WHOM DO YOU SAY AVOIR LE COMPAS DANS L'ŒIL? It is neutral language that can be used in a wide range of contexts: with friends, family, colleagues, clients or

strangers. It is most often used to highlight the talent of an artist, architect or anyone with good visual judgement. You can see this written down or hear it said out loud in conversation.

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: [email protected]