clou
nail
The French word 'clou' is a noun that refers to a nail, a small metal spike used for fastening pieces of wood together. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to something that stands out or is very noticeable, like 'le clou du spectacle' (the highlight of the show).
Example sentences using: clou
Il a frappé le clou avec le marteau.
He hit the nail with the hammer.
This phrase demonstrates the use of 'clou' in a literal sense, referring to a nail that one might use in carpentry or construction. It's used in a straightforward manner, showing action (hitting) performed on the 'clou' (nail) by a subject (he).
C'est le clou du spectacle.
It's the highlight of the show.
In this phrase, 'clou' is used in an idiomatic expression. 'Le clou du spectacle' translates directly as 'the nail of the show', but this phrase actually means 'the highlight of the show'. This demonstrates how 'clou' can be used figuratively in French.
J'ai un clou dans ma chaussure.
I have a nail in my shoe.
This phrase uses 'clou' in a literal sense to refer to something causing discomfort or a problem. In the context of this sentence, 'clou' is used to mean a physical nail that has caused a problem by being in a place it should not be - inside a shoe.