Skip to content

poigne

grip, iron fist

noun PWAHN-yuh Rare

Usage Note

Poigne refers to the strength of one's grip or hand. The expression avoir de la poigne means to have a firm hand or strong leadership style; gouverner avec poigne means 'to rule with a firm hand'. It is related to poignet (wrist) and poing (fist), all from the same root.

Examples

"Ce chef gouverne avec beaucoup de poigne."

Natural Translation

This leader governs with a firm hand.

Explore French by topic