tourner au ralenti
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tourner au ralenti
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).
1. (mechanics)
a. to idle
J’ai laissé la voiture tourner au ralenti quelques minutes pour vérifier s’il y avait un problème.I let the car idle for a few minutes to check if there was a problem.
b. to tick over (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom.
Paul a réussi à démarrer la vieille voiture. Le moteur tourne au ralenti.Paul managed to start the old car. The engine is ticking over.
2. (figurative) (to be less intense)
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 run under capacity
Pendant l'été, l'entreprise tourne au ralenti.During the summer, the company runs under capacity.
b. to tick over (figurative) (United Kingdom)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning (e.g., to pull someone's leg).
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom.
Après la tempête, la vie semblait tourner au ralenti dans le village.After the storm, life seemed to tick over in the village.
Examples
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