Jul 13, 2006 11:42
18 yrs ago
French term
Not a translator
on allait voir ce qu’on allait voir
French to English
Social Sciences
History
I'm translating short summaries of what various education ministers have done in France, and for one of them, it introduces the paragraph saying "En 1998, on allait voir ce qu’on allait voir". How should this be translated? Thanks
Proposed translations
(English)
Proposed translations
+2
5 mins
David Hollywood
Native in English
worked for int. orgs (IMF, OAS, IDB)
Native in: English
Works in: Spanish to English, German to English
Related KudoZ points
:
12
Selected
one/we would see how things turned out
one reading ......
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Note added at 11 mins (2006-07-13 11:54:10 GMT)
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or maybe: events would take their course
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Note added at 11 mins (2006-07-13 11:54:10 GMT)
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or maybe: events would take their course
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Jeffrey Lewis
: "the game would be played out" and this guy would lose
18 mins
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thanks Jeffrey :)
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| agree |
Gina W
4 days
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Selected automatically based on peer agreement."
+1
16 mins
Roddy Stegemann
United States
United States
Native in English
Specializes in field
United States
Search HKLNA!
Native in: English 
Works in: German to English, Japanese to English, French to English, and 3 more.
wait and see
In 1998 it was a matter of "wait and see".
If it is like Hong Kong's EMB. Little is accomplished, as everyone is afraid of rocking the boat.
If it is like Hong Kong's EMB. Little is accomplished, as everyone is afraid of rocking the boat.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Jean-Claude Gouin
4 hrs
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With so many interpretations for such a simple phrase I am heartily grateful!
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+1
49 mins
there would be no messing about
If you say to someone "Tu vas voir ce que tu vas voir" it means you can expect trouble!
This minister is remembered for saying he would "dégraisser le mammouth".... he didn't last long!
This minister is remembered for saying he would "dégraisser le mammouth".... he didn't last long!
+1
2 hrs
just wait and you won't believe your eyes !
=
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Dr Sue Levy (X)
: this is certainly on the right track - I was thinking "Just watch me now!" - Allègre was full of confidence that HIS way was the way to bring about reform
3 hrs
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4 hrs
Amanda Williams
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
United Kingdom
Into English with style & authenticity
Native in: English (Variants: British, US) 
Works in: French to English, German to English, English
the truth became plain
Another possibility is the "truth became plain to see", or
"the truth did out" (past tense of the expression "the truth will out)
or even -
In 1998 it all came out in the wash....!
"the truth did out" (past tense of the expression "the truth will out)
or even -
In 1998 it all came out in the wash....!
+1
5 hrs
Jeanette Phillips
Native in English
Specializes in field
lateral thinker
Native in: English
Works in: German to English, French to English, English
we'll see what we shall see
It's a common phrase in British English - we shal see what we shall see
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
kblanking (X)
: Or as Google translates it: 'One was going to see what one was going to see'.
17 hrs
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thank you: yes, but that sounds a little clumsey for current English
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1 day 19 hrs
In 1998, all eyes turned/would turn towards center stage
Hello,
This French expression is commonly said to an audience in preparation for the big moment/event/performance on stage. Literally, "one was going to see what one was going to see." In other words, "what one was about to see was for real" or, as one would say in the present tense, "what one is about to see is for real." However, I would not translate it that way in English. I'd say something on the lines of "all eyes were turned/ turned/would turn towards center stage" (awaiting the big moment).
I hope this helps.
This French expression is commonly said to an audience in preparation for the big moment/event/performance on stage. Literally, "one was going to see what one was going to see." In other words, "what one was about to see was for real" or, as one would say in the present tense, "what one is about to see is for real." However, I would not translate it that way in English. I'd say something on the lines of "all eyes were turned/ turned/would turn towards center stage" (awaiting the big moment).
I hope this helps.
Discussion
En 1998, on allait voir ce qu’on allait voir. Selon le bouillant ministre, la réforme ne peut passer que par le « haut », c’est-à-dire le lycée. 2 millions de profs en colère ont raison de ses projets.
This is all there is. This is what I have for the rest:
According to the exuberant/enthusiastic minister, the reform could go "top-down", that is to say from the lycee. Two million angry teachers got the better of his plans.