bon gré mal gré

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reluctantly, willy-nilly
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/bɔ̃ ɡʁe mal ɡʁe/
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With reluctance, because circumstances leave little choice.
Practice using bon gré mal gré in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Le propriétaire a réparé la fuite bon gré mal gré après plusieurs rappels.
    The landlord reluctantly fixed the leak after several reminders.
  • Il a fini par reconnaître son erreur bon gré mal gré.
    He eventually admitted his mistake, however unwillingly.
  • Bon gré mal gré, elle a accepté de changer de bureau.
    Reluctantly, she agreed to change offices.
  • Bon gré mal gré, ils se sont adaptés au nouvel horaire.
    Willing or not, they adapted to the new schedule.
  • Nous avons dû partir bon gré mal gré avant la fin du concert.
    We had to leave whether we liked it or not before the concert ended.

Similar words

à contrecœur
malgré soi
en rechignant

Meanings

Reluctant acceptance

social
neutral
Doing or accepting something despite not wanting to, because it cannot easily be avoided.

Examples

  • Bon gré mal gré, elle a accepté de changer de bureau.
    Reluctantly, she agreed to change offices.
  • Nous avons dû partir bon gré mal gré avant la fin du concert.
    We had to leave whether we liked it or not before the concert ended.
  • Le propriétaire a réparé la fuite bon gré mal gré après plusieurs rappels.
    The landlord reluctantly fixed the leak after several reminders.
  • Bon gré mal gré, ils se sont adaptés au nouvel horaire.
    Willing or not, they adapted to the new schedule.
  • Il a fini par reconnaître son erreur bon gré mal gré.
    He eventually admitted his mistake, however unwillingly.

Similar words

à contrecœur
malgré soi
en rechignant

Etymology

Bon means “good”, mal means “bad”, and gré is willingness. Together they contrast willing and unwilling acceptance.

FAQ

What does bon gré mal gré mean?

It means doing something reluctantly because avoiding it is difficult.

Is bon gré mal gré positive?

Usually not. It points to reluctance or resignation.

Does bon gré mal gré change form?

No. The expression is invariable.

Can bon gré mal gré describe a decision at work?

Yes. Someone can accept a new schedule bon gré mal gré.

What is a close alternative to bon gré mal gré?

À contrecœur also describes doing something reluctantly.

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