Provençal expression

Èstre tapa coumo Sant Jòrgi

The Body

Literal translation

to be covered up like Saint George

Meaning

to be bundled up in many warm layers

Explanation

This phrase means 'to be bundled up in many warm layers at once'. The literal image evokes Saint George, the figure from Christian tradition depicted in knightly armor for his battle against the dragon, covered head to toe in heavy, complete equipment that leaves no part of the body exposed. Applying this image to someone who has put on several layers of clothing to guard against the cold amounts to comparing this excess of layers to a suit of armor, with a touch of comic exaggeration at an outfit judged disproportionate to the actual cold. The verb meaning to cover, to plug, to hide by covering, suits well this idea of a body entirely wrapped up, with no part left visible or exposed to the cold. The register is familiar and affectionately teasing, often used about a child or a cold-sensitive person found overdressed for the season, but without real reproach, the remark remaining the kind of good-natured teasing typical of family relationships.

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Other expressions on the same theme

Faire esquinetoto give someone a leg up Paraulo longo fan lei jou courttoo much talk wastes the day S'embrassa coumo de cougourdoto embrace warmly, with emotion Sembla l'àngi Boufarèuto have plump, round cheeks Sembla lou ravi de la crechoto stand with arms raised, like the ravi figurine chanja l'aigo dis óulivoto relieve oneself