French Expression · Native
Mettre la main à la pâte
To lend a hand / To pitch in / To get stuck in
Pronunciation: METR la MAH ah la PAT
Meaning
An idiom meaning to help with the work or actively contribute.
Example
Tout le monde doit mettre la main à la pâte pour finir à temps.
Everyone needs to pitch in to finish on time.
Practice tips
- Practice Mettre la main à la pâte out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this French expression is for native-level learners.