à bon entendeur

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consider yourself warned, take the hint
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/a bɔ.n‿ɑ̃.tɑ̃.dœʁ/
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A closing hint that a warning should be understood.
Practice using à bon entendeur in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • On vérifiera désormais chaque facture, à bon entendeur.
    From now on every invoice will be checked, so take the hint.
  • Les dossiers devront être rendus vendredi. À bon entendeur.
    The files must be handed in on Friday. Consider yourselves warned.
  • Elle a terminé son message par « à bon entendeur », sans nommer personne.
    She ended her message with “take the hint”, without naming anyone.
  • Le règlement sera appliqué sans exception. À bon entendeur !
    The rules will be enforced without exception. Consider yourselves warned!
  • Je ne couvrirai plus ces retards, à bon entendeur.
    I will no longer cover for these delays, so take the hint.

Similar words

comprenne qui pourra
vous voilà prévenu
prenez-en note

Meanings

Veiled closing warning

conversation
informal
Said after a pointed statement to signal that those concerned should understand the warning and act accordingly.

Examples

  • Les dossiers devront être rendus vendredi. À bon entendeur.
    The files must be handed in on Friday. Consider yourselves warned.
  • Je ne couvrirai plus ces retards, à bon entendeur.
    I will no longer cover for these delays, so take the hint.
  • Le règlement sera appliqué sans exception. À bon entendeur !
    The rules will be enforced without exception. Consider yourselves warned!
  • Elle a terminé son message par « à bon entendeur », sans nommer personne.
    She ended her message with “take the hint”, without naming anyone.
  • On vérifiera désormais chaque facture, à bon entendeur.
    From now on every invoice will be checked, so take the hint.

Similar words

vous voilà prévenu
prenez-en note
comprenne qui pourra

Etymology

A shortened form of à bon entendeur, salut. Here entendeur is the person who understands, and salut concerns avoiding harm after taking the warning.

FAQ

What does à bon entendeur mean?

“Take the hint” or “consider yourself warned”.

Is the warning explicit?

Often not; the listener is expected to infer it.

What is the longer form?

À bon entendeur, salut.

Does it sound friendly?

It may sound pointed or even threatening.

Where is it placed?

Usually at the end of a statement or message.

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