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poireauter

to hang around waiting, to twiddle one's thumbs

verb pwah-roh-TAY Rare

Origin: From poireau (leek), suggesting standing rooted like a leek

Usage Note

Poireauter is a very colloquial verb picturing someone planted on the spot like a leek. It implies frustration at being kept waiting: j'ai poireauté une heure devant la gare. Avoid in formal writing; prefer attendre there.

Examples

"Il m'a fait poireauter une heure."

Natural Translation

He made me wait around for an hour.

Literal Translation

He made me twiddle my thumbs for an hour.

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