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cligner

to blink, to wink

verb klee-NYEH Rare
Body & Health Movement

Usage Note

Cligner is typically paired with des yeux (to blink) or de l'oeil (to wink). The derived noun clignotant means a car indicator/turn signal, and the verb clignoter means 'to flash' or 'to flicker'. Cligner de l'oeil can signal a shared understanding or hint, much like the English 'to wink' at someone.

Examples

"Il a cligné de l'oeil pour me rassurer."

Natural Translation

He winked at me to reassure me.

Literal Translation

He blinked of the eye to reassure me.

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