hors des clous
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French[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
The limits of crosswalks used to be marked with very large-headed nails.
Pronunciation[edit]
Prepositional phrase[edit]
- (literally) out of the limits of the crosswalk, outside of a designated crossing
- traverser hors des clous ― to jaywalk
- (figuratively) out of the box; off the books (not abiding by the rules)
- Antonym: dans les clous