Cherchez la femme meaning

The phrase cherchez la femme encourages individuals to look for the root cause of a problem, typically by focusing on the woman involved.


Cherchez la femme definitions

Word backwards zehcrehc al emmef
Part of speech The phrase "cherchez la femme" is a French expression that translates to "look for the woman" in English. In this case, it is a verb phrase that functions as an imperative command.
Syllabic division cher-chez la femme
Plural The plural of "cherchez la femme" is "cherchez les femmes."
Total letters 15
Vogais (2) e,a
Consonants (7) c,h,r,z,l,f,m

When it comes to the phrase "cherchez la femme," its literal translation means "look for the woman." This expression is often used to suggest that when there is trouble or controversy, a woman is likely involved in some way. However, the meaning goes beyond a simple search for a woman in a situation; it implies that by understanding the influence and motivations of women, one can uncover key factors at play.

Origin of Cherchez La Femme

The phrase "cherchez la femme" originated in France and dates back to the 19th century. It was popularized by the author Alexandre Dumas in his novel "The Mohicans of Paris." The phrase has since become a common saying in both French and English languages, often used in literary works and everyday conversations.

Interpretation and Context

While the literal translation may lead one to think of it as a gender stereotype, the meaning of "cherchez la femme" is more nuanced. It suggests that understanding the role women play in various situations can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes. It can be seen as a call to delve deeper into the complexities of human relationships and dynamics.

Modern Usage

In contemporary society, "cherchez la femme" is sometimes used humorously or ironically, acknowledging its historical connotations while also recognizing the evolving roles and perceptions of women. It serves as a reminder to consider all perspectives and influences when trying to make sense of a situation.

Overall, "cherchez la femme" carries with it a blend of mystery, intrigue, and a reminder to look beyond the surface. It encourages individuals to consider the multifaceted nature of human interactions and the significant impact women can have in shaping events and outcomes.


Cherchez la femme Examples

  1. When facing a mystery, always remember to cherchez la femme.
  2. In detective novels, the protagonist often follows the advice to cherchez la femme.
  3. When discussing a complicated situation, it's crucial to cherchez la femme.
  4. The key to solving the crime was to cherchez la femme.
  5. In any conspiracy theory, there is usually a need to cherchez la femme.
  6. After a scandal, the media is quick to cherchez la femme.
  7. When analyzing a political situation, experts often advise to cherchez la femme.
  8. In a movie plot, the revelation often comes when the characters cherchez la femme.
  9. To unravel the mystery, the detectives knew they had to cherchez la femme.
  10. Amidst conflicting information, the best course of action is to cherchez la femme.


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  • Updated 04/05/2024 - 02:26:54