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laisse

leash

noun les Less Common

Usage Note

Laisse is the leash or lead used to walk a dog. The phrase tenir en laisse ('to keep on a leash') is used both literally and figuratively to mean keeping someone under tight control. Note that laisse is also the third-person singular of laisser ('to let/leave'), so context is essential.

Examples

"Tiens le chien en laisse."

Natural Translation

Keep the dog on the leash.

Literal Translation

Hold the dog in leash

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