Usage Note
Gardon is the common freshwater roach (Rutilus rutilus), one of the most abundant fish in French rivers and lakes and a staple target for recreational anglers. The idiom frais comme un gardon ('fresh as a roach') means to be in great form or feeling perfectly fit, from the fish's reputation for keeping fresh. The plural is gardons.
Examples
"Il a pêché plusieurs gardons dans la rivière."
Natural Translation
He caught several roach in the river.
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