French Expression · Intermediate
Mettre les voiles
To leave / To set sail (figuratively)
Pronunciation: MET-truh lay VWAL
Meaning
An informal way to say 'to leave' or 'to go away', often quickly or suddenly, like a ship setting sail.
Example
Il se fait tard, il est temps de mettre les voiles.
It's getting late, it's time to leave.
Practice tips
- Practice Mettre les voiles 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 intermediate-level learners.