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mâcher

to chew

verb mah-SHEH Rare

Origin: From Latin 'masticare' (to chew).

Usage Note

mâcher is used literally for chewing food, but also in the idiom ne pas mâcher ses mots — 'not to mince one's words', meaning to speak bluntly. The noun mâchoire (jaw) shares the same root.

Examples

"Il faut bien mâcher avant d'avaler."

Natural Translation

You must chew well before swallowing.

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