Literal translation
he throws powder in the eyes
Meaning
he's putting on a show to impress
Explanation
The expression, transparent from one language to the other, describes the act of flinging a fine substance in front of someone's eyes to blind them momentarily or divert their attention, an image taken figuratively to mean any attempt to impress through appearance, display, or talk, at a remove from the actual state of things. It is said of someone trying to give a flattering and deceptive picture of their situation, resources, or intentions, for the sole purpose of dazzling a listener and hiding a less flattering truth. The verb jita (to throw, to cast) is very common in Provençal, as are poudro (powder) and uei (the eyes), three simple words whose combination is enough to produce a striking and immediately readable image. The expression matches its French equivalent exactly, a sign of a widely shared cultural stock built around this image of deceptive dazzlement. The register ranges from neutral to familiar, used in ordinary conversation as well as in a more critical remark about someone's manners.