à tombeau ouvert

Le train semblait foncer à tombeau ouvert vers la courbe.
The train seemed to hurtle at breakneck speed towards the bend.
Le chauffeur roulait à tombeau ouvert sur la route de montagne.
The driver was racing at breakneck speed on the mountain road.
Ils ont traversé le village à tombeau ouvert.
They tore through the village at a dangerously high speed.
La moto est passée à tombeau ouvert devant l'école.
The motorbike shot past the school at breakneck speed.
Ne descends pas cette pente à tombeau ouvert !
Don't go down that slope at a reckless speed!

Similar words

à toute allure

à fond la caisse

à une vitesse folle

Le chauffeur roulait à tombeau ouvert sur la route de montagne.
The driver was racing at breakneck speed on the mountain road.
Ils ont traversé le village à tombeau ouvert.
They tore through the village at a dangerously high speed.
La moto est passée à tombeau ouvert devant l'école.
The motorbike shot past the school at breakneck speed.
Ne descends pas cette pente à tombeau ouvert !
Don't go down that slope at a reckless speed!
Le train semblait foncer à tombeau ouvert vers la courbe.
The train seemed to hurtle at breakneck speed towards the bend.

à une vitesse folle

à toute allure

à fond la caisse

The open tombeau, or tomb, is a vivid image of death awaiting someone who travels with reckless speed.

What does à tombeau ouvert mean?

At a dangerously high speed.

Is it usually about driving?

Often, though other rapid motion is possible.

Does it imply danger?

Yes, especially danger of a fatal accident.

Is the tomb literal?

No, it is an image of the possible consequence.

Can it describe a motorbike?

Yes, a motorbike may pass à tombeau ouvert.

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