This might not quite be the right forum, I hope no one minds, but can someone help with a little bit of French?

As part of my research I'm reading a letter, written 1878 and its author uses the phrase: tire a quatre epingles. Translated that is: drawn with four pins. Now, I believe it's being used as a metaphor, but it is a little ambiguous to me.

The context is that tropical climates rot a lady's fine clothes. Consquently their garments are more a source of trouble, than pleasure: "if he or she is at all inclined to be always drawn with four pins."

Are they talking about being well-turned out for society, or that the clothes are constantly being repaired due to the climate?

Can anyone shed any light on this metaphor? Thanks,

Juliet

I googled “drawn with four pins” (including the double quote marks) and found this:

http://wikipedia.qwika.com/fr2en/Liste_des_expressions_fran%C3%A7aises

Their definition: Of a great elegance, vétu in a very neat way.

Dee

Thanks, Dee, for taking the trouble, this is great. Fab Wiki list too.

Juliet

Hi Juliet, Just seen this. I've heard this expression used before and it means 'impeccably dressed' but I have no idea of the origins of the phrase. Do you want me to check it out?
If you have any other French questions feel free to wwmail me on them.

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Interesting site, Dee. Pity they don't put the original phrase in French as well.

Thanks, Ashlinn, and I might take you up on your offer. As to the original meaning, I have a hunch it might have something to do with tailoring / dress-making / working with fabrics in some way. No idea why I think that tho.

Juliet

Actually thinking about it, I think that it means pulled (tirer is closer in meaning to pulled than drawn) with four pins as in a piece of material stretched tightly in a square shape. If you did this it would take all the creases out of it and this fits with the 'flawless to the point of pernickity' meaning of the phrase. Does this make sense? Might not be this though.

That's interesting, Ashlinn, and it would seem to make sense.

J.

Pinning things out before you iron them does happen with very elaborate needlework - I can imagine all sorts of fancy 19th century collars and frills and ruffles and things that the only way you could iron them would be to do that, and it would have an air of very carefully achieved perfection.

Emma

This is good and I can imagine it more clearly now. Thanks everyone for your help.

Juliet