Francophonie· hard· informal

avoir de l’eau dans la cave

to have water in the cellar

Meaning

To be wearing trousers that are too short

Explanation

Said of someone whose trousers ride up short enough to show their socks, as though they had hitched them up to keep dry from a flood down in the basement.

Example

Avec un pantalon pareil, il a de l’eau dans la cave.

With trousers like that, he must be expecting a flood.

Origin

Origin uncertain.

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