‘montrer patte blanche’: french fairytale phrase for trustworthiness

A FRENCH FAIRYTALE PHRASE FOR TRUSTWORTHINESS Has a French person ever asked you to show a white paw?  Believe it or not, montrer patte blanche has nothing to do with an animal’s foot, and

actually refers to the idea of proving yourself. We look at the different meanings behind this somewhat untranslatable expression and explain how to use it in French.  WHAT DOES MONTRER

PATTE BLANCHE MEAN? This unique expression literally translates as: to show the white paw.  It can directly refer to showing your credentials or identity to grant access to a certain place

or event.  It can also describe the idea of proving you can be trusted or convincing someone of your worth. A third, more widely-used definition is to conform to expectations or behave

properly, so as to fit in and be accepted. Read also:  Learning French: tout est bon dans le cochon and other pig expressions WHAT ARE THE ORIGINS OF MONTRER PATTE BLANCHE? The expression

comes from the French fable Le Loup, la Chèvre et le Chevreau (The Wolf, the Goat and the Kid), written by Jean de La Fontaine in 1668. In the story, a mother goat leaves her baby goat at

home alone. She tells him not to answer the door unless he can see through the window that the caller has a white paw, or hoof, like her own. When the wolf comes calling, the baby goat asks

it to montrer patte blanche. When the wolf cannot, the baby goat does not let the wolf in and stays safe. Another version of the story written by the Brothers Grimm has a less positive

outcome. In their telling, the clever wolf dips his paw in flour to colour it white and tricks its way inside to eat the baby goat. Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say se

jeter dans la gueule du loup ? WHEN DO YOU SAY MONTRER PATTE BLANCHE? You can say this in a situation where you need to identify yourself: It can also be used to express the idea of behaving

in a proper manner: * Pour pouvoir participer à une visite guidée du palais, il faudra montrer patte blanche. - To go on a guided tour of the palace, you will need to be on your best

behaviour. Read also: Six French expressions around cats to use in everyday conversations TO WHOM DO YOU SAY MONTRER PATTE BLANCHE? It is considered neutral, colloquial language that can be

used in a range of situations, with friends, family or strangers - however some younger generations may not understand what you mean. You will likely hear this in spoken French, rather than

seeing it written down. 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]