Chardon (en. Thistle)

/ʃaʁ.dɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A perennial plant of the aster family, generally spiny, with purple flowers.
The thistle is often found in dry meadows.
Le chardon est souvent présent dans les prairies sèches.
A rarity that can be found in the garden, often considered a weed.
Gardeners need to be wary of thistles in their flowerbeds.
Les jardiniers doivent se méfier des chardons dans leurs plates-bandes.
In cooking, some species of thistle are edible and used as vegetables.
Thistle hearts can be prepared like artichokes.
On peut préparer les cœurs de chardon à la manière d'un artichaut.

Etymology

The word 'thistle' comes from the Latin 'carduus', which referred to a spiny plant.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to have a heart of thistle
To be insensitive or merciless.
avoir un cœur de chardon
to leave something in the wrong place like a thistle
To place something in an inappropriate or awkward position.
laisser quelque chose au mauvais endroit comme un chardon

Related Words

cardoon
A spiny plant cultivated for its edible hearts.
cardon
blessed thistle
A medicinal plant also known as silybum.
chardon-Marie

Slang Meanings

A thistle
He gave me a thistle when he refused to help me.
Il m'a donné un chardon quand il a refusé de m'aider.
To be prickly like a thistle
Her personality is prickly like a thistle.
Sa personnalité est piquante comme un chardon.