Francophonie· medium· informal
être à l'ouest
“to be in the west”
Meaning
To be spaced out
Explanation
This expression describes someone who is not paying attention, daydreaming, or mentally absent, usually from tiredness. The English equivalent is 'to be miles away'.
Example
T'es complètement à l'ouest ce matin, tu n'as pas dormi ?
You're completely out of it this morning, didn't you sleep?
Origin
Late 20th century. Possibly borrowed from WWI English slang 'to go west' (to die), which softened when it crossed into French. Other theories point to the setting sun and the drowsiness it brings.
Source
More like this
- faire une queue de poissonTo swerve in sharply in front of another car
- prendre la poudre d'escampetteTo flee suddenly without saying goodbye
- tirer à hue et à diato work against each other instead of together
- faire des pieds et des mainsTo go to great lengths to get something
- faire le murto slip out of somewhere without permission
- faire les cent pasto pace back and forth