The idiom "French leave" means to leave a place or event without saying goodbye or informing anyone. It is also known as "taking French leave" or "doing a French exit."
The origin of this phrase is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century. It is said that the French were known for their tendency to leave social gatherings without saying goodbye, which was considered rude by the English.
You can use this idiom when someone leaves a place or event without informing anyone or saying goodbye. For example, if someone leaves a party without telling anyone, you can say, "He took a French leave." It can also be used in a more humorous way, such as when someone sneaks out of a boring meeting or lecture.
It is important to note that this idiom can be considered offensive or disrespectful to the French people, so it is best to use it with caution and sensitivity.
• The ambassador caused a diplomatic incident when he took a French leave from the state dinner without thanking the host country.
• When the meeting was boring, some of the attendees decided to take a French leave and left the room quietly.
• The CEO took a French leave during the company's crisis, leaving his team to handle the situation alone.
• I didn't say goodbye to anyone when I left the party. I just took a French leave.
• After the fight with her partner, she took a French leave in the middle of the night without saying a word.
• My friend is always leaving work early without telling anyone. She takes a French leave.