https://www.proz.com/kudoz/french-to-english/history/1168402-main-basse.html
This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. French to English
  3. History

main basse

English translation: helped himself to

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
French term or phrase:main basse
English translation:helped himself to
Entered by: Denise Levin

08:06 Oct 26, 2005
French to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - History / Nazi war criminals
French term or phrase: main basse
Ok, another one ;-)

Do you think 'main basse' means 'took control over' in this context?

Bormann fit main basses sur les immenses contributions "volontaires" aux fonds du parti.

Thanks very much:-)

Denise

OT:
What a relief, no accents or anything in the whole sentence ;-)
Denise Levin
Israel
Local time: 00:01
helped himself to
Explanation:
.
Selected response from:

PFB (X)
Local time: 23:01
Grading comment
I agree with Josephine.
Thank you very much:-)
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +2make off with/run off with/annexe/syphon off
CMJ_Trans (X)
5took hold of
Olivia MAHÉ
3 +1helped himself to
PFB (X)


  

Answers


2 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5
took hold of


Explanation:
-

Olivia MAHÉ
France
Local time: 23:01
Native speaker of: Native in FrenchFrench
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

4 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +1
helped himself to


Explanation:
.

PFB (X)
Local time: 23:01
Works in field
Native speaker of: French
PRO pts in category: 16
Grading comment
I agree with Josephine.
Thank you very much:-)

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Josephine79: I like this suggestion as it includes the notion that he took something to which he wasn't entitled, which "took hold of" doesn't include.
12 mins
  -> Thank you
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

35 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
make off with/run off with/annexe/syphon off


Explanation:
all options

CMJ_Trans (X)
Local time: 23:01
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 41

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  PFB (X): with "syphon off"
18 mins
agree  ejike
1 hr
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations