Literal translation
he pays me with Harlequin's coin
Meaning
to pay with worthless coin
Explanation
This expression describes paying someone with fine words, empty promises, or counterfeit currency, somewhat like the French expression monnaie de singe. The verb to pay, the word for money, and the name Harlequin are all well attested. Harlequin, the cunning buffoon of Italian comedy known for his tricks and pretences, here lends his name to a fictitious currency, an imaginary stage coin with obviously no real exchange value. To pay with this theatrical currency thus means settling a debt with empty words, flattery, or excuses, without ever handing over the sum owed. The image echoes the figure of Harlequin found elsewhere in Provençal sayings, always tied to trickery, pretence, or comedy. It is used to denounce, with irony, a person who dodges a financial obligation by offering hollow words or promises in place of actual payment.