Francophonie· medium
avoir le dos large
“to have a broad back”
Meaning
to be able to put up with a great deal without complaint
Explanation
Said of someone thick skinned enough to shoulder criticism, blame or hard graft without buckling.
Example
Le stagiaire a le dos large, il accepte toutes les tâches ingrates sans jamais se plaindre.
The intern has a broad back, he takes on all the thankless jobs without ever complaining.
Origin
Origin uncertain. It probably plays on the idea of a strong back carrying a heavy load, much as English talks about someone having broad shoulders.
More like this
- arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupeTo turn up at the worst possible moment
- avaler des couleuvresTo put up with insults without complaining
- avoir bon dosTo serve as a convenient excuse for someone else's failings
- avoir d'autres chats à fouetterto have more important things to do
- avoir de la bouteilleTo have plenty of experience
- avoir du bléto have money