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rengaine

old refrain

noun rahn-GEN Rare
Communication Expressions

Also means

same old story

Usage Note

Rengaine originally meant a hackneyed song or tune, and now more broadly refers to any tired, repetitive saying or argument that someone keeps repeating. The expression c'est toujours la même rengaine ('it's always the same old story') is very common in spoken French. Related to the verb rengainer ('to sheathe again'), suggesting something put back into habitual use.

Examples

"C'est toujours la même rengaine avec lui."

Natural Translation

It's always the same old story with him.

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