Literal translation
to be a nativity figure
Meaning
to be slow, sluggish
Explanation
This phrase means 'to be slow, sluggish', 'not to be quick on one's feet'. The literal image draws on the santon, the small nativity figurine characteristic of Provençal tradition, motionless by nature since it is made to stay fixed within a crèche scene. Applying this name to a person amounts to pointing out a lack of initiative, liveliness, or speed of execution, as though they stood rooted to the spot like a decorative figurine, without actively taking part in what goes on around them. The image draws on a culture where the santon holds a strong emotional place, giving the expression an immediately recognizable local flavor with no direct equivalent in other languages, which would need a different comparison, for instance to a statue or a post. The register is familiar, used with a touch of irritation or amusement at the slowness of a child, a colleague, or a relative, without any real intent to hurt.