Cherchez la femme

Definitions

• Blame someone
  Suggest that a woman is the root cause of a particular problem or issue

• Find the truth
  Suggest that the key to understanding a situation or solving a mystery is to look for the involvement of a woman

Examples of Cherchez la femme

Conclusion

The idiom "Cherchez la femme" can be interpreted in two main ways. The first meaning is to blame a woman for a problem or issue, while the second meaning is to find the truth by looking for the involvement of a woman. Both interpretations suggest that women can be the root cause of trouble or hold important information that can lead to solving a mystery.

Origin of "Cherchez la femme"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to a novel written by Alexandre Dumas in 1854, titled "The Mohicans of Paris." The phrase was originally written in French as "Cherchez la femme, pardieu!" which translates to "Look for the woman, by God!" In the novel, the phrase is used by a character named Isaac Laquedem when discussing a suspicious situation involving a woman.

Over time, the phrase has evolved and is now commonly used in English to suggest that a woman is the root cause of a problem or to find the truth by looking for the involvement of a woman. It is often used in a playful or humorous manner and has become a popular saying in various forms of media, such as books, movies, and television shows. The origin of this idiom highlights the societal views and stereotypes surrounding women as troublemakers or possessors of secrets.