Learning French: when and why do we say être sage comme une image?

If you are a teacher, babysitter, or have a youngster in the family, you will hopefully be able to use the expression: être sage comme une image. 

It is mainly used to praise polite and obedient children. 

We will offer synonyms for this fun phrase and look at the link between well-behaved children and 17th-Century artwork.

What does être sage comme une image mean?

A word-for-word translation of this fun French simile would be: to be wise like an image.

However, sage does not only refer to wisdom - it can also mean, well-behaved or sensible - and so this expression describes a person (usually a child) who is calm and obedient.

English speakers might assume it has a similar meaning to: as pretty as a picture. However, a more accurate equivalent would be: as good as gold.

Similar descriptions include:

● Un petit ange: A little angel/cherub

● Un saint: A saint

● Un enfant modèle - A model child/A golden child

Read more: Mettre les pieds dans le plat: fun French expression no. 5

What are the origins of être sage comme une image?

This phrase is thought to have first appeared in the 17th Century. 

The comparison to une image could be referring to the images and paintings of the time, where children are pictured as calm and angelic. 

An image is also a frozen snapshot and so could reflect the stillness of a well-behaved child, rather than one who is running around and up to no good (des bêtises). 

Read more: ‘Arrête tes bêtises!’ - nine ways to scold someone in French 

When do you say être sage comme une image?

It is mainly used orally due to the rhyme of sage and image but can also appear in written French.

This expression is used to compliment behaviour and can even be used as a standalone response:

● Je n'ai même pas remarqué que tu étais assis là, sage comme une image. - I didn’t even notice you sitting there, you little cherub. 

● Le bébé était sage comme une image pendant le voyage. Il n'a pas pleuré une seule fois. - The baby was an angel during the journey. He didn’t cry once. 

● Question: Il a été sage aujourd'hui ? - Was he a good boy today?

● Response: Comme une image ! - Good as gold!

You could also use it as a command (do not forget plurals when referring to more than one person):

● Les enfants, soyez sages comme des images dans l'église, s'il vous plaît. - Children, be as good as gold inside the church, please. 

Read also: Learning French: cerise sur le gâteau and other baking expressions

To whom do you say être sage comme une image?

It is considered a casual phrase, most often said to younger people or children.

Pay attention to your tone of voice and avoid using this with adults because it can come across as patronising or sarcastic.