faire la part des choses

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consider all sides, keep a balanced view
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/fɛʁ la paʁ de ʃoz/
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To weigh the different sides of a situation fairly.
Practice using faire la part des choses in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Il faut faire la part des choses avant de juger.
    We must consider all sides before judging.
  • Ne confonds pas un incident avec toute sa carrière : fais la part des choses.
    Do not confuse one incident with his whole career: keep a balanced view.
  • Malgré sa colère, il a fait la part des choses.
    Despite his anger, he judged the situation fairly.
  • Elle sait faire la part des choses entre l’erreur et la mauvaise foi.
    She can distinguish fairly between a mistake and bad faith.
  • Le rapport nous aide à faire la part des choses.
    The report helps us weigh the different factors.

Similar words

tenir compte du contexte
prendre du recul
juger avec mesure

Meanings

Judge with balance

judgment
neutral
Take account of the relevant facts and distinctions before judging, instead of letting one aspect determine the whole view.

Examples

  • Il faut faire la part des choses avant de juger.
    We must consider all sides before judging.
  • Elle sait faire la part des choses entre l’erreur et la mauvaise foi.
    She can distinguish fairly between a mistake and bad faith.
  • Malgré sa colère, il a fait la part des choses.
    Despite his anger, he judged the situation fairly.
  • Le rapport nous aide à faire la part des choses.
    The report helps us weigh the different factors.
  • Ne confonds pas un incident avec toute sa carrière : fais la part des choses.
    Do not confuse one incident with his whole career: keep a balanced view.

Similar words

prendre du recul
juger avec mesure
tenir compte du contexte

Etymology

Literally “give the things their share”: faire is “make”, la part a share, and des choses “of things”; the image is giving each factor its due weight.

FAQ

What does faire la part des choses mean?

It means judging a situation fairly by considering its different aspects.

Does it mean ignoring a mistake?

No, it means putting that mistake in proportion.

Can it be used in a disagreement?

Yes, especially to ask someone to judge both sides.

Is the phrase about literal portions?

No. It uses part figuratively for the contribution of each factor.

What is the past form?

A fait la part des choses uses the past participle fait.

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