à huis clos

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Behind closed doors
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/a ɥi klo/
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With the public excluded from a hearing, meeting or event.
Practice using à huis clos in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Les députés ont débattu à huis clos.
    The lawmakers debated in private.
  • La commission a entendu le témoin à huis clos.
    The committee heard the witness behind closed doors.
  • Le match s’est joué à huis clos.
    The match was played without spectators.
  • Le procès se tiendra à huis clos.
    The trial will be held behind closed doors.
  • Ils ont négocié à huis clos toute la soirée.
    They negotiated in private all evening.

Similar words

à portes fermées
en privé
sans public

Meanings

Behind closed doors

public life
neutral
With the public excluded from a hearing, meeting or event.

Examples

  • Le procès se tiendra à huis clos.
    The trial will be held behind closed doors.
  • Les députés ont débattu à huis clos.
    The lawmakers debated in private.
  • Le match s’est joué à huis clos.
    The match was played without spectators.
  • La commission a entendu le témoin à huis clos.
    The committee heard the witness behind closed doors.
  • Ils ont négocié à huis clos toute la soirée.
    They negotiated in private all evening.

Similar words

en privé
à portes fermées
sans public

Etymology

Huis signifie « porte » dans cette locution, et clos signifie « fermé » : la porte fermée écarte le public.

FAQ

What does à huis clos mean?

With the public excluded from a hearing, meeting or event.

How is à huis clos used?

Modifies a hearing, meeting or match.

What is a typical example?

Le procès se tiendra à huis clos.

What grammatical kind is it?

a fixed phrase

What nuance does it add?

Exclusion of the public is the defining feature.

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