ravaler

to resurface, to render (a wall)

verb rah-vah-LEH Rare

Also means

to swallow back (pride, anger)

Usage Note

Ravaler literally means to re-coat a building facade (ravaler une facade), a very common construction task in France. Figuratively, ravaler sa fierté means to swallow one's pride, and ravaler ses larmes to hold back tears.

Examples

"Ils ont ravalé la facade de l'immeuble."

Natural Translation

They resurfaced the front of the building.

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