- Dictionary
mettre à nu
A verb phrase is a group of words that functions as a verb in a sentence to convey an action, condition, or state (e.g., jeter un sort, avoir faim).
a. to strip
Charles a dû mettre les fils à nu pour effectuer la connexion.Charles had to strip the wires to make the connection.
b. to expose
Le médecin a délicatement retiré la compresse, mettant la plaie à nu.The doctor carefully removed the gauze, exposing the wound.
c. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
Avant de poser le nouveau parquet, les ouvriers ont mis à nu le sol.Before laying the new parquet, the workers stripped the floor back to the bare surface.
Ça nous a pris du temps pour mettre la pièce à nu.It took us some time to strip the room back to the bare walls.
2. (figurative) (to reveal)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
a. to lay bare (figurative)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
L’enquête a permis de mettre à nu les failles du système.The investigation made it possible to lay bare the flaws of the system.
b. to expose
La journaliste a mis à nu les pratiques de l’entreprise dans son reportage.The journalist exposed the company’s practices in her report.
Examples
Random Word
Roll the dice and learn a new word now!
