What does tenez in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word tenez in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use tenez in French.

The word tenez in French means hold, take, grip, grasp, hold, restrain, hold, manage, run, control, maintain, keep, stand, resist, be solid, be stable, continue, last, fit, stick to , cling to, mean a lot to , be important to, want to do, get from, stand, remain, stay, keep, hold on to , hold onto hang on to , hang onto, remain, stay, keep, take place, behave, make sense, hold water, still be on, come over, keep, keep to, use, come from, stem from, arise from, be attached to , be fond of, take after, behave yourself, behave, how to proceed, be three sheets to the wind, not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, be as thick as two short planks, unable to hold his/her tongue, had better behave yourself, had better watch out, not hold up, not hold water, not stand up, be dead on your feet, be unable to stand still, not hold the road, not make sense, have itchy feet, be all in, not take much, be just up to you, hang by a thread, hang by a thread, keep to the facts, stick to the facts, know what to expect, know how to carry yourself, know how to behave, take it as read, watch your step, keep away from , stay away from , keep your distance from, keep yourself to yourself, stay away from , keep away from, stay out of, keep your distance from, keep away from , stay away from, keep out of , stay out of, would be happy to do, keep up to date with , keep yourself up to date with, keep up with 's news, stand, stand straight, keep yourself informed, be ready to do , get ready to do , stand by to do, keep on your toes, be important to, keep back, hold back, keep up-to-date, keep updated, remove from somewhere, keep an eye on , keep a close eye on, like to point out, wish to point out, value your life, be a rib-sticker, stick to your ribs, let know, keep up to date about , keep up to date on , keep informed about, keep up to date with , keep yourself up to date with, keep posted, keep in the loop, keep dry, keep going, hold on, hang on, keep warm, keep warm, be 's prized possession, keep company, consider, consult, be hardly anything to choose between, have from a reliable source, get from a reliable source, have from a reliable source, get from a reliable source, stand, stand up, say something inappropriate, make inappropriate remarks, verge on the miraculous, rein in, keep in check, hold in check, keep in suspense, keep on tenterhooks, keep on a leash, keep on a leash, keep on a tight leash, can be summed up in a few words, respect, keep at bay, hold at bay, keep under control, keep in suspense, hold back, fit on one page, keep informed, keep informed about, keep yourself informed, have a run, hold your drink, work the cash register, play gooseberry, take the inside track, stay the distance, go the distance, make work for, keep in good shape, keep in good shape, buttonhole, make sense, steal the limelight, be the star, be on the right track, hold on, keep up, cope, hold the floor, be on top. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word tenez

hold

verbe transitif (porter, avoir avec soi)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Je crois que l'homme qui tient le bouquet de fleurs là-bas te regarde. Je vais regarder ce qui se passe. Tiens-moi la lampe de poche. Tiens la porte à la dame.

I think the man holding the bouquet of flowers over there is looking at you. I'm going to see what's going on. Hold my flashlight for me. Hold the door for the lady.

take, grip, grasp

verbe transitif (saisir, s'agripper) (arms)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Ma mère tient mon bras pour marcher. Sur un bateau, il vaut mieux tenir la rampe si on ne veut pas tomber.

On a boat, it's best to take hold of the rail if you don't want to fall.

hold, restrain

verbe transitif (maintenir, maîtriser)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Quand on promène son chien au parc, il faut le tenir en laisse.

When walking a dog in the park, it must be kept on a leash.

hold

verbe transitif (serrer contre soi)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

La jeune maman tenait son enfant dans les bras.

The young mother was holding her child in her arms.

manage, run

verbe transitif (gérer) (business)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Pierre tient un restaurant.

Peter runs a restaurant.

control

verbe transitif (figuré (maîtriser, contrôler)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Ce professeur ne sait pas tenir sa classe

That teacher is incapable of controlling his class.

maintain, keep

verbe transitif (entretenir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Son appartement est très bien tenu.

His flat is very well maintained.

stand

verbe intransitif (rester dans une position)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Dans ce jeu, les candidats doivent tenir sur un poteau sur un seul pied.

In this game, the contestants have to stand on a post on just one leg.

resist

verbe intransitif (résister) (military)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Notre régiment n'a pas tenu plus de trois heures à cet endroit. Les concurrents devaient porter un poids à bout de bras et devaient tenir le plus longtemps.

The competitors had to hold a weight with their arms outstretched and hold out as long as possible.

be solid, be stable

verbe intransitif (être solide)

Ne suspends rien de lourd à ce clou, il ne tient pas beaucoup.

Don't hang anything heavy on this nail; it's not very solid.

continue, last

verbe intransitif (ne pas changer)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Le beau temps tiendra toute la semaine. Il a neigé une heure mais ça n'a pas tenu.

It snowed for an hour, but it didn't settle.

fit

verbe intransitif (être contenu)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Nous ne tiendrons pas tous dans cette voiture. Votre résumé doit tenir sur une page.

We won't all fit in this car. Your CV should fit on one page.

stick to , cling to

verbe transitif indirect (adhérer à [qch])

L'araignée tient au mur grâce à ses crochets.

Spiders stick to the walls thanks to their claws.

mean a lot to , be important to

verbe transitif indirect (éprouver de l'affection) (subject/object inversion)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pierre m'est très cher : je tiens beaucoup à lui. Je te prête cette robe, mais ne l'abîme pas ; j'y tiens beaucoup, c'est ma mère qui l'a cousue elle-même.

Peter is very dear to me; I care a lot about him.

want to do

locution verbale (vouloir fortement)

Je tiens à être présent chez le notaire. Le directeur a tenu à préciser qu'il n'était pas au courant des agissements de son bras droit.

I want to be present at the notary's. The manager wanted to make it clear he didn't know what his right-hand man was up to.

get from

verbe transitif indirect (hériter un caractère de [qqn])

Ma fille a un caractère bien trempé ; elle tient ça de son père. Il n'y a pas à dire, Julien tient de sa mère !

My daughter has a strong personality; she gets that from her father.

stand

verbe pronominal (être placé quelque part)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Trois plantons se tiennent toujours devant l'entrée de ce ministère.

Three orderlies are still standing in front of the entrance to the ministry.

remain, stay, keep

verbe pronominal (rester)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Les oiseaux se tiennent toujours à bonne distance du chat.

The birds are staying at a good distance from the cat.

hold on to , hold onto hang on to , hang onto

(s'accrocher)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Comme il n'y avait plus de sièges dans le train, Emily s'est tenue à une des poignées pour garder l'équilibre. Assise à l'arrière de la moto, Julie se tenait à Brian pour ne pas tomber.

As there were no more sets on the train, Emily held on to one of the handles to maintain her balance. Sitting on the back of the motorcycle, Julie hung onto Brian so as not to fall.

remain, stay, keep

verbe pronominal (être dans une disposition) (availability)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Les pompiers se tiennent toujours prêts à intervenir. Cet étudiant se tient informé de toutes les nouveautés en matière d'informatique.

That student keeps himself informed of all the new computing developments.

take place

verbe pronominal (avoir lieu, se dérouler)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La conférence se tiendra le 20 janvier au Palais des Congrès.

The conference will take place on 20 January at the Palais des Congrès.

behave

verbe pronominal (être respectueux des usages)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Tu es invité, j'espère que tu sauras te tenir.

You are invited; I hope you will be able to behave.

make sense

verbe pronominal (être cohérent)

Ce raisonnement se tient, c'est possible.

This argument makes sense; it's possible.

hold water

verbe intransitif (être plausible) (figurative)

Votre explication tient, c'est une possibilité.

Your explanation holds water, so it's certainly possible.

still be on

verbe intransitif (ne pas être annulé) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

On devait aller au ciné ce soir mais comme Julie n'a pas confirmé, je ne sais pas si ça tient toujours ou pas. Alors Éric, ça tient toujours pour samedi ? 19 h chez toi, c'est bien ça ?

We were supposed to be going to the cinema tonight, but as Julie hasn't confirmed, I don't know if it's still on or not. Eric, are we still on for Saturday? 7 pm at your place, right?

come over

verbe transitif (figuré (avoir prise sur [qqn]) (emotion)

(phrasal verb, transitive, inseparable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, not divisible--for example,"go with" [=combine nicely]: "Those red shoes don't go with my dress." NOT [S]"Those red shoes don't go my dress with."[/S])

Quand la colère la tient, elle ne se contrôle plus.

When anger comes over her, she loses all control.

keep

verbe transitif (s'occuper de)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Ma fille tient un journal qu'elle cache sous son lit.

My daughter keeps a diary that she hides under her bed.

keep to

verbe transitif (respecter)

Avec tout le travail qu'il nous reste à faire, il me semble difficile de tenir les délais.

With all the work we still have to do, I think it will be difficult to stick to the deadline.

use

verbe transitif (dire)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Cet homme politique tient des propos plutôt inquiétants.

This politician makes rather worrying comments.

come from, stem from, arise from

verbe transitif indirect (venir de)

Sa déprime tient à ses conditions de travail.

Her depression comes from her working conditions.

be attached to , be fond of

verbe transitif indirect (être attaché à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon père tient à ce bureau.

That desk is important to my father.

take after

locution verbale (avoir un caractère héréditaire)

behave yourself, behave

locution verbale (se conduire correctement)

how to proceed

nom féminin (choses à faire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

be three sheets to the wind

locution verbale (familier, figuré (être ivre) (slang)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, be as thick as two short planks

locution verbale (figuré, familier (être stupide) (UK, slang)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

unable to hold his/her tongue

locution adjectivale (trop bavard)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

had better behave yourself

locution verbale (devoir surveiller son comportement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

had better watch out

locution verbale (figuré (devoir se préparer à un défi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Avec le tour de magie que je vous prépare, David Copperfield n'a qu'à bien se tenir !

not hold up, not hold water, not stand up

locution verbale (figuré (ne pas être cohérent, valable) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Désolé, mais ton histoire ne tient pas debout.

be dead on your feet

locution verbale (figuré (être très fatigué) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be unable to stand still

locution verbale (déborder d'énergie)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not hold the road

locution verbale (mal adhérer à la route)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not make sense

locution verbale (figuré, familier (être sans queue ni tête)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have itchy feet

locution verbale (piaffer d'impatience) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be all in

locution verbale (être harassé) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not take much

locution verbale (pouvoir évoluer dans un sens ou un autre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be just up to you

locution verbale (ne dépendre que de soi)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si ça ne tenait qu'à moi, j'aurais déjà parcouru le monde entier.

hang by a thread

locution verbale (figuré, familier (être précaire) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hang by a thread

locution verbale (figuré (être précaire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep to the facts, stick to the facts

locution verbale (ne pas extrapoler)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

N'inventez rien et tenez-vous-en aux faits !

know what to expect

locution verbale (apprécier correctement la situation)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

know how to carry yourself, know how to behave

locution verbale (connaître les bonnes manières)

take it as read

locution verbale (considérer comme certain)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tu ne sortiras pas ce soir, tiens-le-toi pour dit.

watch your step

(figuré (ne pas se faire remarquer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep away from , stay away from , keep your distance from

locution verbale (rester loin de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tenez-vous à distance de la falaise !

keep yourself to yourself

locution verbale (ne pas se mêler aux autres)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

En soirée, il se tient à l'écart.

stay away from , keep away from

locution verbale (ne pas se mêler à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les enfants ! Tenez-vous à l'écart de la foule.

stay out of

locution verbale (ne pas s'occuper de [qch])

Je me tiens à l'écart des histoires de famille.

keep your distance from

locution verbale (ne pas se mêler à [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je me tiens à l'écart de mes collègues.

keep away from , stay away from

locution verbale (ne pas approcher de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il faut se tenir à l'écart du bord de cette falaise.

keep out of , stay out of

locution verbale (ne pas se mêler de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je me tiens toujours à l'écart de leurs petites affaires.

would be happy to do

(être prêt à répondre aux demandes de [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le candidat se tient à la disposition de son éventuel employeur pour toutes informations complémentaires.

The candidate would be happy to answer any questions his potential employer may have.

keep up to date with , keep yourself up to date with

(s'informer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon fils se tient au courant des avancées en recherche spatiale.

keep up with 's news

(s'informer réciproquement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La famille se tient au courant de chacun.

stand

(rester debout)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

stand straight

(ne pas voûter le dos)

keep yourself informed

(s'informer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be ready to do , get ready to do , stand by to do

(être prêt à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep on your toes

locution verbale (être vigilant) (figurative, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be important to

locution verbale (souhaiter fortement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il me tenait à cœur d'être présent à ton pot de départ.

Being at your leaving do was important to me.

keep back, hold back

locution verbale (ne pas laisser approcher)

La police tenait la foule à distance.

keep up-to-date, keep updated

locution verbale (maintenir au dernier niveau)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

remove from somewhere

locution verbale (isoler, éloigner [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le professeur tient les élèves turbulents à l'écart.

The teacher removes disruptive pupils from his class.

keep an eye on , keep a close eye on

locution verbale (surveiller) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les surveillants tiennent les élèves à l’œil.

like to point out, wish to point out

locution verbale (vouloir ajouter)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je tiens à préciser que la mesure n'est que provisoire.

I'd like to point out that the measure is only temporary.

value your life

locution verbale (familier (vouloir rester en vie)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Non, je ne vais pas dire au parrain que j'ai merdé, merci, je tiens à ma vie !

be a rib-sticker, stick to your ribs

locution verbale (remplir l'estomac) (food: figurative, slang)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le cassoulet est le genre de plat qui tient au corps.

let know

locution verbale (maintenir [qqn] informé de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je regarde de mon côté si je peux trouver des hôtels pas chers pour nos vacances. Tiens-moi au courant si tu vois quelque chose d'intéressant.

keep up to date about , keep up to date on , keep informed about

(maintenir [qqn] informé de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Nous vous tiendrons au courant des dernières informations économiques. J'ai demandé aux maçons qui travaillent chez moi de me tenir au courant de l'avancée des travaux, même pendant mes vacances.

keep up to date with , keep yourself up to date with

(rester informé de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pendant les vacances, je me tiens au courant des actualités par les journaux.

keep posted, keep in the loop

locution verbale (argot (maintenir [qqn] informé) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep dry

locution verbale (garder à l'écart de l'humidité)

Vous tiendrez au sec les sacs de ciment.

keep going

locution verbale (résister)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Notre équipe tient bon même si elle est surpassée par l'expérience adverse.

hold on, hang on

locution verbale (familier (s'accrocher)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")

keep warm

locution verbale (conserver la chaleur)

keep warm

locution verbale (se réchauffer mutuellement)

be 's prized possession

(estimer énormément [qch/qqn]) (object)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon oncle tient à ce tableau comme à la prunelle de ses yeux.

keep company

locution verbale (accompagner)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Claude a tenu compagnie à la vieille dame toute la soirée.

consider

(faire cas de [qch], considérer [qch])

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Ce projet tient compte de la réserve naturelle environnante.

consult

locution verbale (délibérer)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Le syndic tiendra conseil ce vendredi à 14 h.

be hardly anything to choose between

locution verbale (rapproché, similaire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Les résultats de la course entre les premiers concurrents tiennent dans un mouchoir de poche.

There's hardly anything to choose between the results of the top competitors.

have from a reliable source, get from a reliable source

locution verbale (savoir [qch] de source sûre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il tenait de bonne source ces informations boursières.

have from a reliable source, get from a reliable source

locution verbale (savoir [qch] par une personne fiable)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Il tenait de source sûre ces informations sur le concert.

stand

locution verbale (disposer de ses jambes)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

stand up

locution verbale (figuré (être vraisemblable) (figurative)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")

say something inappropriate, make inappropriate remarks

locution verbale (avoir des paroles malvenues)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

verge on the miraculous

locution verbale (être inespéré)

rein in

locution verbale (contenir) (figurative)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")

Le jeune homme tenait en bride ses envies de voyage.

keep in check, hold in check

locution verbale (vaincre) (opponent)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Notre équipe a tenu le tenant du titre en échec.

keep in suspense, keep on tenterhooks

locution verbale (maintenir le suspens)

keep on a leash

locution verbale (animal : entraver d'une laisse) (animal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep on a leash, keep on a tight leash

locution verbale (maîtriser, contrôler) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

can be summed up in a few words

locution verbale (se résumer à peu de données)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le problème tient en quelques chiffres.

respect

locution verbale (estimer)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Je tiens mon grand-père en respect.

keep at bay, hold at bay

locution verbale (figuré (contraindre, menacer) (esp. with a gun)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Les braqueurs tenaient en respect le boutiquier.

keep under control

locution verbale (figuré (dominer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le directeur tenait l'assemblée en respect.

keep in suspense

locution verbale (vieilli (tenir en haleine, faire patienter)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Le conférencier tenait son auditoire en suspens.

hold back

locution verbale (vieilli (interrompre, reporter)

Le dirigeant tenait sa réponse en suspens.

fit on one page

locution verbale (ne pas dépasser une page de long)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon résumé tient en une page.

keep informed

locution verbale (donner des nouvelles à [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je monte dans le train et te tiens informé.

keep informed about

locution verbale (informer [qqn] de [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je te tiens informée de l'avancée du projet.

keep yourself informed

locution verbale (s'informer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Tiens-toi informé de la météo pour ce week-end.

have a run

locution verbale (donner beaucoup de représentations) (act, performer)

Cette troupe tenait l'affiche depuis trois mois.

hold your drink

locution verbale (ne pas s'enivrer facilement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

work the cash register

locution verbale (s'occuper de l'encaissement)

play gooseberry

locution verbale (figuré (sortir avec un couple) (UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon frère et sa copine m'ont invité au cinéma mais je n'ai pas envie de tenir la chandelle !

take the inside track

locution verbale (courir à l'intérieur de la courbe)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

stay the distance, go the distance

locution verbale (être performant longtemps) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Je ne sais pas si notre nouveau système tiendra la distance.

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I'm not sure if our new system will stay the distance.

make work for

(rivaliser avec [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep in good shape

locution verbale (être en bonne santé, énergique)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

keep in good shape

locution verbale (entretenir ses capacités physiques)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

buttonhole

(figuré, familier (retenir [qqn] en lui parlant longtemps) (figurative, informal)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

make sense

locution verbale (figuré, familier (être logique)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

steal the limelight

locution verbale (se mettre en avant) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be the star

locution verbale (avoir le premier rôle)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be on the right track

locution verbale (être en passe de réussir [qch]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hold on, keep up

locution verbale (familier (résister)

cope

locution verbale (résister, ne pas se laisser abattre)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Je sais que c'est difficile pour toi, loin de ta famille, avec un nouveau métier que tu ne maîtrises pas encore, mais il faut que tu tiennes le coup. J'ai appris que ta femme avait eu un accident. Ça va, tu tiens le coup ?

hold the floor

locution verbale (argot (monopoliser la parole)

be on top

locution verbale (être parmi les meilleurs)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of tenez in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

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Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.