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French Word of the Day: Déclic

The Local France
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French Word of the Day: Déclic
Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash/Nicolas Raymond"

Originally a technical term from the world of mechanics, this word has now expanded to have a variety of more philosophical meanings.

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Why do I need to know déclic? 

Because sometimes it is important to switch things up in your life.

What does it mean? 

A déclic, pronounced "day-kleek", has multiple meanings. 

In a literal sense, it is used in the field of mechanics to talk about a "switch" that triggers a machine into action or stops it from working altogether (a "kill switch").

In a similar vein, a déclic is used to talk describe the sound that such a switch might make. 

But the word is more often used in a metaphorical sense to signify a "wake-up call", "pivotal change" or sudden boost in momentum. 

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In this sense, you would use it like this:

La naissance de ma fille a été un déclic - The birth of my daughter was a wake-up call

Rien de plus beau que les gens inspirants pour donner le déclic aux autres - There is nothing more beautiful than inspirational people pushing others forward 

Comment avoir le déclic pour changer ta vie? - How can you reach the turning point to change your life?

Rencontrer des malades peut tout de même créer le déclic - Meeting sick people can be a wake-up call

L'équipe espère avoir un déclic - The team hopes to have a boost

Related terms 

Comprendre soudainement - to suddenly understand

Avoir une révélation - to have an epiphany 

Prise de conscience -  the act of becoming aware 

Déclencher - to trigger 

Provoquer - to provoke 

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Anonymous 2022/01/29 19:19
I am wondering whether there is an easy way to find a link to an extended stay visa? I have tried gouv.fr and gov.uk but nothing. I'd be garteful to know if anyone else has managed to get one. We do not want/need to have such a little time at our French hideaway! Thanks. Jenny x

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