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gardon

roach (freshwater fish)

noun gar-DON Rare

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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