à la cantonade

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to the room at large, to no one in particular
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/a la kɑ̃tɔnad/
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Aloud to a whole room, without naming one listener.
Practice using à la cantonade in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Il a lancé à la cantonade une remarque sur le retard.
    He made a remark about the delay to no one in particular.
  • Le personnage parle à la cantonade depuis le bord de la scène.
    The character speaks towards the wings from the edge of the stage.
  • Elle a annoncé à la cantonade que le dîner était prêt.
    She announced to everyone in earshot that dinner was ready.
  • Elle a demandé à la cantonade si quelqu'un avait vu ses clés.
    She asked the room at large whether anyone had seen her keys.
  • Son reproche lancé à la cantonade visait pourtant son frère.
    His criticism, made to the room at large, was really aimed at his brother.

Similar words

sans viser personne
à haute voix
devant tous

Meanings

To everyone in earshot

conversation
literary
Said so that anyone nearby can hear, without openly addressing one person, sometimes while quietly aiming the remark at them.

Examples

  • Elle a annoncé à la cantonade que le dîner était prêt.
    She announced to everyone in earshot that dinner was ready.
  • Il a lancé à la cantonade une remarque sur le retard.
    He made a remark about the delay to no one in particular.
  • Le personnage parle à la cantonade depuis le bord de la scène.
    The character speaks towards the wings from the edge of the stage.
  • Elle a demandé à la cantonade si quelqu'un avait vu ses clés.
    She asked the room at large whether anyone had seen her keys.
  • Son reproche lancé à la cantonade visait pourtant son frère.
    His criticism, made to the room at large, was really aimed at his brother.

Similar words

devant tous
à haute voix
sans viser personne

Etymology

In theatre, the cantonade was the side of the stage. Speaking there meant addressing someone offstage, and the expression later spread beyond theatre.

FAQ

What does à la cantonade mean?

It means speaking aloud without naming a particular listener.

Does à la cantonade come from theatre?

Yes. It first described speech towards the side of a stage.

Can a remark à la cantonade target one person?

Yes. The speaker may avoid naming the person directly.

Is à la cantonade used outside theatre?

Yes, in everyday scenes involving a whole group.

Is à la cantonade formal?

It has a slightly literary tone.

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