Depth of sleep

Carol L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Depth of sleep

The "preferred" translation indicates that their son fell asleep "a poings fermes," indicating that he was deeply asleep.  I dispute this -- kids may fall asleep with their fists closed, but not tightly unless they are under severe stress.  I would suggest that a better indication of deep sleep would be the other suggestion - "il dormait profondement."  This is from years of watching a number of sleeping children -- mine and others'.  Just a thought....

Asked 4 years ago
Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Hi Carol,

dormir à poings fermés is an idiom meaning 'to be sound asleep' and hence resides above logic.

But I guess you knew that... ;)

Carol L.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

That darned logic gets me every time!!

Depth of sleep

The "preferred" translation indicates that their son fell asleep "a poings fermes," indicating that he was deeply asleep.  I dispute this -- kids may fall asleep with their fists closed, but not tightly unless they are under severe stress.  I would suggest that a better indication of deep sleep would be the other suggestion - "il dormait profondement."  This is from years of watching a number of sleeping children -- mine and others'.  Just a thought....

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