battre sa coulpe

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to acknowledge one's fault, to express remorse
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/ba.tʁə sa kulp/
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To acknowledge one's own fault with visible remorse.
Practice using battre sa coulpe in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Le journal bat sa coulpe après avoir publié une information fausse.
    The newspaper acknowledges its fault after publishing false information.
  • Le ministre a refusé de battre sa coulpe malgré les critiques.
    The minister refused to express remorse despite the criticism.
  • Après l'échec, le directeur a battu sa coulpe devant l'équipe.
    After the failure, the director owned up to his fault before the team.
  • Elle a battu sa coulpe pour avoir ignoré les avertissements.
    She expressed remorse for ignoring the warnings.
  • Ils ont fini par battre leur coulpe au sujet de cette décision.
    They finally admitted their fault over that decision.

Similar words

reconnaître ses torts
faire son mea-culpa
exprimer son repentir
demander pardon

Meanings

Admit one's fault

accountability
literary
To admit one's own wrongdoing and show regret for it, often publicly or formally.

Examples

  • Après l'échec, le directeur a battu sa coulpe devant l'équipe.
    After the failure, the director owned up to his fault before the team.
  • Elle a battu sa coulpe pour avoir ignoré les avertissements.
    She expressed remorse for ignoring the warnings.
  • Le journal bat sa coulpe après avoir publié une information fausse.
    The newspaper acknowledges its fault after publishing false information.
  • Ils ont fini par battre leur coulpe au sujet de cette décision.
    They finally admitted their fault over that decision.
  • Le ministre a refusé de battre sa coulpe malgré les critiques.
    The minister refused to express remorse despite the criticism.

Similar words

faire son mea-culpa
reconnaître ses torts
exprimer son repentir
demander pardon

Etymology

Coulpe comes from Latin culpa, “fault”; the phrase recalls the penitential gesture of striking the chest while admitting sin.

FAQ

What does battre sa coulpe mean?

To acknowledge one's fault and show remorse.

Is it still used?

Yes, especially in literary or public commentary.

Must someone strike their chest?

No, the modern use is usually figurative.

What does coulpe mean?

A fault or sin, from Latin culpa.

Does the possessive change?

Yes: battre leur coulpe for a plural subject.

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