I'd like to speak to you in private

1. adjective
2. noun - privately
- private enterprise
- private means
- in private

I 'praɪvət, 'praɪvɪt
II
['praɪvɪt] strictly
I ['praɪvət, 'praɪvɪt]
II

vb irreg vt (nei tempi composti prende l'ausiliare del verbo che accompagna) I 1. [vo'lere] 2. 3. II [vo'lere]

['solo] solo (-a) ['solo] 1. 2. 3. 4. ••

عَلَى \ against: touching (usually sth. upright): The rain beat against the window. He pressed his nose against the glass. on: showing where sb. or sth. is placed: He lay on his back on the bed. The picture hung on a nail on the wall. Your name is on the list. He hit me on the nose. The boat is on the river (in the water). The house is on the river (beside the water), as in the previous meaning, but with movement (often with to) He jumped on (to) his horse. The book fell on (to) the floor. onto: on to: He sprang onto the table. over: lying across; resting on; covering: A cloud was over the sun. She spread a cloth over the table, across the surface of Ships sail over the sea, above (in rank, etc.) He rules over a proud people, about; concerning They quarrelled over the resutl of the race. You need not hurry over your dinner. upon: on. \ عَلَى \ on shore, ashore: on dry land; not on the sea; on or to the shore: Sailors are unhappy ashore. We swam ashore from the boat. \ See Also نَحْوَ البَرّ، اليابسة (اليَابِسَة)‏ \ عَلَى \ ashore: on or to the shore: Sailors are unhappy ashore. We swam ashore from the boat. on shore, ashore: on dry land; not on the sea. \ See Also نَحْوَ الشّاطِئ \ عَلَى اتِّصَال (عكس مُنْقَطع عن)‏ \ in touch: (the opposite is out of touch) giving or receiving news: I’ve been in touch with my brother by telephone. The radio keeps us in touch with world events. \ عَلَى أتَمّ ما يكُون من التَّرتيب والهِنْدام \ spick and span: (as a predic. phrase) neat, clean and bright: Sailors usually keep their boats spick and span. \ عَلَى الأَثير \ on the air: being sent out on the radio or television. \ عَلَى أَحْسَن وَجْه \ best, well, better: in the best way: Peter played best last week. \ عَلَى أرْبَع \ on all fours: on hands and knees: She went down on all fours to look for the needle. \ عَلَى الأرض \ over: from an upright (or straight) position to a flat (or bent) position: I fell over. He knocked me over. She bent over to pick it up. \ عَلَى استعداد \ content: willing: I’m content to wait for my turn. \ عَلَى أشُدِّه \ in full swing: (of an activity) at its highest point; very busy: The party was in full swing when I arrived. \ عَلَى الإطلاق \ little: (coming just before the verb) not at all: I little knew (or Little did I know) that next day he would be dead. not in the least: not at all: It doesn’t matter in the least. whatever: at all: I have no money whatever. whatsoever: a strong form of whatever; at all: Tell him nothing whatsoever!. \ عَلَى الأَغْلَب \ for the most part: mostly: He is old and for the most part he stays at home. \ عَلَى أَقْصَى ما تستطيع رؤيتَه \ in the distance: far away (from the point where one is): In the distance he could see the mountains. \ عَلَى الأَقَلّ \ a good: (with numbers) at least: He lives a good 3 miles away. at least: (showing that sth. is true, necessary, etc., even if sth. else is not) in spite of what has just been said or is just going to be said: He may be lazy but at least he’s honest. You can at least be polite even if you don’t like him, not less than It cost at least $100. quite: at least; not less than: The journey took quite three hours. \ عَلَى الأَكثَر \ largely: mostly: The accident was largely his own fault. mainly: chiefly; mostly. \ عَلَى انفِراد \ private: (only in the phrase in private) privately; where nobody can hear except those concerned: May I speak to you in private. \ عَلَى أُهْبَة الاستعداد \ stand by: to be ready, in case one may be needed: The soldiers were told to stand by. \ عَلَى أَيّ حال \ anyhow: in any case: I don’t really need this; anyhow, it costs too much. anyway: in any case: I may be late; anyway, don’t wait for me, in any case I don’t really need this; anyhow, it costs too much. at all events, in any event: in any case; whatever may happen or has happened: He didn’t win but, at all events, he did try hard. at any rate: at least; in any case: He wasn’t there; at any rate, I don’t think he was. I may not succeed; but I’ll try, at any rate. in any case: no matter what else may be considered, anyhow: It costs too much. In any case, I don’t really need it. \ عَلَى أيَّة حال \ all the same, at the same time: (only at the start of a sentence; comparing points that are for and against) in spite of this: He’s not clever; all the same, he does try hard. however: all the same; in spite of what has just been said: I’m very tired; however, I’ll come and help you. \ عَلَى بُعد \ away: at a distance: Brighton is 60 miles away. Keep away from the wet paint. beyond: further; on or to the farther side: I looked across the river to the hills beyond. \ عَلَى التَّخْصِيص \ in particular: especially: I enjoyed his first song in particular. \ عَلَى التَّوَالي \ respectively: separately, in that order: Boys and girls will be examined on Monday and Tuesday respectively (the boys on Monday, the girls on Tuesday). \ عَلَى جَانِب \ up: along (up and down are both used like this, although the course may be quite level): He lives just up the road. \ عَلَى الجميع \ round: to everyone: He handed the coffee round. There were not enough cups to go round. \ عَلَى حَدٍّ \ as far as, so far as: (showing a limit): As far as I know, he’s not here. \ عَلَى حَدٍّ سَواء \ alike: in the same way: He treats us all alike. \ عَلَى حَدِّ عِلْمي \ to the best knowledge: as far as I know: To the best of my knowledge, he is honest (I have no reason to doubt his honesty). \ عَلَى حِدَة \ private: (only in the phrase in private) privately; where nobody can hear except those concerned: May I speak to you in private?. separate: not joined or shared; apart: Keep the new milk separate from the old. \ عَلَى حَقّ (مُحِقّ)‏ \ be in the right: not be at fault: Although they said she’d made a mistake, they discovered she was in the right. \ عَلَى حِين غِرَّة \ all of a sudden: in a sudden manner. suddenly: in a sudden manner: The door opened suddenly. \ عَلَى خَطَأ \ in the wrong: mistaken (in one’s judgement, behaviour etc.). \ عَلَى الدَّوام \ always: at all times. \ عَلَى رؤوس الأصابِع \ on tiptoe: on the tips of one’s toes: I can reach that if I stand on tiptoe. \ عَلَى الرّاجح \ likely: (usu. with very, most, more or quite) probably: She’s very likely right. \ عَلَى الرُّغْم مِن \ despite: in spite of: Despite his age, the old man walks several miles every day. for all: in spite of: For all his strength, he could not lift it. much as: although: Much as I admire him, I could not work with him. spite, in spite of: (of sth. that fails) even with: In spite of his efforts, he could not save her life, without regard to; not caring about (a difficulty) In spite of his illness, he attended the ceremony. \ عَلَى الرُّغْم مِنْ أَنَّ \ although: in spite of the fact that; (without a verb) in spite of being: Although (he was) ill, he went to work. \ عَلَى الرُّغْم من ذلك \ even so: in spite of that: He may be foolish; even so, you should help him. just the same: (showing one thing that is not the natural result of another) in spite of this: He’s a thief, but I like him just the same. nevertheless: in spite of that: I told him it would be dangerous, but nevertheless he did it. still: in spite of that: We rarely win; but still, we enjoy playing. \ عَلَى سَبيل المِثال \ for instance: as an example: He’s often late. Yesterday, for instance, he came home after midnight. \ عَلَى السَّطح كلِّه \ over: (esp. with all) across a surface: The table was wet all over. He rubbed it over with a dry cloth. \ عَلَى سَوِيَّة \ level: equal in height or position: His eyes were level with my shoulder. I soon drew level with the leading runner. \ عَلَى سَوِيَّة \ flush: exactly on a level with; not sticking out from; meeting exactly at the edges: The door is flush with the wall when it is closed. \ See Also مستوى (مُسْتَوًى)‏ \ عَلَى سَوِيَّة واحدة \ even: equal: The table legs were not of even length. He shared the money evenly among them. \ عَلَى شاكِلَة \ like: the same as: What is he like (in appearance and character)? He’s just like his father., What does it feel (or look or taste or smell or sound) like?. in the same way as:: He swims like a fish. \ عَلَى شَرْط \ provide (that), also providing (that): if; on condition that: I’ll go, provided (that) you’ll go too. \ عَلَى شَفَا \ on the brink of: close to (sth. dangerous or exciting): on the brink of war. on the point of doing sth.: starting to do sth.: I was on the point of telephoning you, when I got your letter. on one’s last legs: (of a person or thing) not expected to last much longer; worn out; almost in ruins: That company is on its last legs. on the verge of: close to: She was on the verge of tears. \ See Also شفير (الموت أو الإفلاس، إلخ)، عَلى وَشْك \ عَلَى صَهْوَةِ الجَوَاد \ on horseback: on a horse: He travelled on horseback. \ عَلَى ضِغْن \ grudgingly: unwillingly. \ See Also على غير رَغْبَة \ عَلَى طُولِ \ along: following the line of: He ran along the road. down: along (without regard to level): We raced down the street. My friend lives just down the road. \ عَلَى ظَهْر \ on deck: on an uncovered deck, in the open air. \ See Also سَطْح السفينة \ عَلَى ظَهْر الحِصان \ on horseback: on a horse: He travelled on horseback. \ عَلَى ظَهْر السَّفينة \ on board: on (or on to) a ship or aeroplane: There are 70 men on board. Can I go on board the aircraft?. \ عَلَى ظَهْر الصَّفْحَة \ overleaf: on the back of the page: Please fill in this paper, and sign your name overleaf. \ عَلَى عَرْض \ across: over; from one side to the other of: He ran across the street. There is a bridge across the stream. \ عَلَى العَكْس \ on the contrary: (expressing disagreement) the opposite is true: It’s not worn out - on the contrary, it’s quite new. \ عَلَى عِلْم بِـ \ familiar with: knowing; accustomed to: I’m not familiar with English law. \ عَلَى عُلُوّ \ high: (in compounds) to the height of: The grass was waist-high. \ عَلَى الغالِب \ probably: almost certainly; with little doubt: You’re probably right. \ عَلَى غَيْر انتظار \ surprisingly: unexpectedly: a surprisingly good result. \ عَلَى غَيْر رَغْبَة \ grudgingly: unwillingly. \ عَلَى غَيْر هُدًى \ adrift: (of boats) loose; floating about with no control: Our ship was wrecked and we were left adrift in a small boat on the ocean. \ عَلَى فَتَرات مُنْتَظِمة \ periodically: from time to time. \ عَلَى فَرض أنّ \ (conj.) supposing: if: Supposing he’s late, shall we wait for him? Even supposing the lorry comes, it will still be too late. \ عَلَى الفِطْرة \ na]ve: too simple to be sensible; lacking wisdom and experience: a na]ve question; a na]ve young girl. \ عَلَى فِكْرَة \ by the way: used to show that the speaker is about to change the subject: Thank you for your help. By the way, would you like to come to our party next week?. \ عَلَى الفَوْر \ directly: at once: He arrived directly after me. instantly: at once. off-hand: without thought or preparation: I can’t say off-hand what it cost, but it was over $1000. \ عَلَى قافية واحدة \ rhyme: (of word endings) to have the same sound: ‘Consideration’ rhymes with ‘nation’, ‘Port’ rhymes with ‘thought’. ‘Pleasure’ rhymes with ‘measure’ but not with ‘pressure’. \ عَلَى قَدْر \ according to: in the proper way for; depending on: Each man was paid according to his skill. \ عَلَى قَدَم وَسَاق \ in full swing: (of an activity) at its highest point; very busy: The party was in full swing when I arrived. \ عَلَى قَيْد الحَيَاة \ alive: living: He was buried alive when part of a cliff fell on him. \ عَلَى كُلّ حال \ at any rate: at least; in any case: He wasn’t there; at any rate, I don’t think he was. I may not succeed; but I’ll try, at any rate. \ عَلَى مَا يَبْدُو \ apparently: it seems (from what people say): I thought she was 15, but apparently is older. \ عَلَى ما يَصِل إليه عِلْمي \ to the best of my knowledge: as far as I know: To the best of my knowledge, my son has never met her. \ See Also على مَبْلَغ علمي \ عَلَى المَدَى الطَّويل \ in the long run: after a period of time; in the end: It’ll be cheaper in the long run to buy good quality shoes. \ عَلَى مسؤوليَّته الشخصيّة \ at one’s own risk: agreeing that any troube will be one’s own fault: The bridge is unsafe but you can cross it at your own risk. \ عَلَى مسافة قريبة مِن \ off: a short distance from: an island off the English coast. \ عَلَى مُسْتَوًى \ level: equal in height or position: His eyes were level with my shoulder. \ عَلَى مِصْرَاعَيْه (فَتَحَ الباب)‏ \ wide: (with open) fully: open the door wide. Leave it wide open. \ عَلَى نَحْو مماثِل \ similarly: in the same way: They were similarly dressed. \ عَلَى نَسَق \ on the lines of: in the general form of: We’re planning some sports on the lines of the Olympic Games, but for schoolboys only. \ عَلَى نَفْس الوَتيرة \ even: (of movement) regular; steady: Her heart was not beating evenly. \ عَلَى نَوبات \ fits and starts: in short bursts; starting and stopping: The engine only goes in fits and starts. \ See Also فترات \ عَلَى هذا المُعَدَّل \ at that rate: if those conditions continue: He keeps stopping for a rest; at that rate, he won’t finish the job today. \ عَلَى هذا النَّحْو \ so: in this way; in that way: Don’t shout so!. thus: in this way. \ عَلَى الهَوَاء \ on the air: being sent out on the radio or television. \ عَلَى وَتِيرَة واحدة \ monotonous: (of a voice, a job, a way of life, etc.) dull, never changing and therefore uninteresting. \ عَلَى وَجْهٍ \ unusually: (with an adj.) very; strangely: It is unusually cold in here today. \ See Also بشكل غير عاديّ \ عَلَى وَجْهِ التَّقْريب \ roughly: (with numbers and amounts) not exactly; about: roughly 50 trees; roughly a mile away. \ عَلَى وَجْهِ الخُصُوص \ particularly: especially: a particularly nasty smell. \ عَلَى الوَجهِ الصحيح \ duly: properly; as expected: The bill was duly paid. The train duly arrived. \ عَلَى وَجْهِ العُمُوم \ in general: in most cases: Men in general are taller than women. \ عَلَى وَجْهٍ ما \ somehow: in some way or other, by some means or other: I’ll pay for it somehow, even if I have to ask someone to lend me the money. \ عَلَى وَجْهٍ مُسْتَهْجَن \ oddly: strangely: She behaved very oddly last night. \ عَلَى مِقْدار عِلْمي \ for all I know: as far as I know: For all I know, you may have stolen this. \ عَلَى مَقْرُبةٍ \ near: close to, in position: His house is near my own. \ عَلَى مَقرُبة مِن \ about: around; near There’s a lot of illness about. I went out early, when no one was about (when no one else was out). \ عَلَى مَهْل \ leisurely: without haste: He likes a leisurely walk in the evening. \ عَلَى نَحْو أسوأ \ worse: more bad; more badly: Murder is worse than stealing. It is a worse crime. You write even worse than I do. \ عَلَى نَحْوٍ أَفْضَل \ better, well, best: in a better way: He drives better than I do. \ عَلَى نَحْو تامّ \ strictly: exactly: Strictly speaking (If I tell you the exact truth) this ticket is out of date; but I’ll let you travel with it. \ See Also كامل (كامِل)‏ \ عَلَى نَحْو خَطير \ badly: seriously: He was badly wounded. \ عَلَى نَحْو رَخْو \ loosely: in a loose way: a loosely tied knot. \ See Also غير مُحْكَم \ عَلَى نَحْو رَدِيء \ badly: in a bad manner: badly dressed; badly made. \ عَلَى نَحْو صارم \ strictly: very firmly: Smoking in this cinema is strictly forbidden. \ See Also دَقيق \ عَلَى نَحْو صَحيح \ right: correctly: You guessed right. \ عَلَى نَحْو صَحيح \ rightly: justly; correctly: You acted rightly. \ See Also ملائم (مُلائم)‏ \ عَلَى نَحْوٍ كَامِل \ absolutely: without conditions: You must agree absolutely and not to try to change matters later. \ عَلَى نَحو مألوف \ ordinarily: usually. \ عَلَى نَحْو مُرْضٍ \ well: (the adv. form of the adj. good; see better, best) in a good and pleasing way: Well done! You played very well. \ عَلَى نَحْو مُلحّ \ badly: (with need, want) very much: They need money badly. \ عَلَى وَشْك \ on the point of doing sth.: starting to do sth.: I was on the point of telephoning you, when I got your letter. \ عَلَى وَشْك أَنْ \ be about to do sth.: to be ready to do it; be just going to do it: I was about to go when he arrived. on the verge of: close to: She was on the verge of tears. \ عَلَى يَد (مِن قِبَل)‏ \ by: (showing who or what did sth.): He was bitten by a dog. \ عَلَى اليدين والرِّجلين \ on all fours: on hands and knees: She went down on all fours to look for the needle.

sœl seul, -e

1.

2.

3.
paʀtikylje, jɛʀ (-ière)

   a. to want

• vouloir faire qch to want to do sth

• il ne veut pas y aller he doesn't want to go

• il veut absolument un VTT he's desperate to have a mountain bike

• il veut absolument venir he's determined to come

• qu'est-ce qu'ils veulent maintenant ? what do they want now?

• il sait ce qu'il veut he knows what he wants

• il joue bien quand il veut he plays well when he wants to

• tu l'as voulu you asked for it

• tu l'auras voulu it'll have been your own fault

• il en veut (inf) ( = veut réussir) he wants to win

• je ne veux pas qu'il se croie obligé de... I don't want him to feel he has to...

• que lui voulez-vous ? what do you want with him?

• qu'est-ce qu'il me veut, celui-là ? (inf) what does he want from me?

• s'il voulait, il pourrait être ministre if he wanted to, he could be a minister

• vouloir qch de qn to want sth from sb

• que voulez-vous de moi ? what do you want from me?

• vouloir un certain prix de qch to want a certain price for sth

• j'en veux 1 000 € I want 1,000 euros for it(PROV) vouloir, c'est pouvoir(PROV) quand on veut, on peut(PROV) where there's a will there's a way

► vouloir que

• vouloir que qn fasse qch/que qch se fasse to want sb to do sth/sth to be done

• je veux que tu viennes tout de suite I want you to come at once

• il veut absolument qu'elle parte he is determined that she should leave

• il ne veut pas qu'elle y aille he doesn't want her to go

   b. ( = désirer, souhaiter) voulez-vous à boire ? would you like something to drink?

• je voulais vous dire... I meant to tell you...

• elle fait de lui ce qu'elle veut she does what she likes with him

• il voulait partir hier mais... he intended to leave yesterday but...

• ça te dirait d'aller à la mer ? -- je veux ! (inf!) would you like to go to the seaside? -- that would be great! (inf)

• sans vouloir vous vexer no offence meant

• qu'il le veuille ou non whether he likes it or not

• ça va comme tu veux ? (inf) is everything all right?

• comme tu veux as you like

• comme vous voulez as you like

• bon, comme tu voudras all right, have it your own way

• si tu veux if you like

• si vous voulez if you like

• oui, si on veut ( = dans un sens, d'un côté) yes, if you like

• je n'en veux plus I don't want any more

• est-ce que tu en veux ? [+ gâteau] would you like some?

• sans le vouloir unintentionally

► que veux-tu ?

• que veux-tu, c'est comme ça, on n'y peut rien what can you do? that's the way it is and there's nothing we can do about it

• que veux-tu que je te dise ? j'ai perdu what do you want me to say? I lost

   c. (au conditionnel) je voudrais un stylo I would like a pen

• je voudrais écrire I would like to write

• je voudrais qu'il m'écrive I would like him to write to me

• il aurait voulu être médecin he would have liked to be a doctor

• je ne voudrais pas abuser I don't want to impose

• je voudrais bien voir ça ! I'd like to see that!

   d. ( = consentir à) ils ne voulurent pas nous recevoir they wouldn't see us

► bien vouloir

• je veux bien le faire (s'il le faut vraiment) I don't mind doing it ; (enthousiaste) I'm happy to do it

• je veux bien qu'il vienne (s'il le faut vraiment) I don't mind if he comes ; (il n'y a pas d'inconvénient) I'm quite happy for him to come

• je voudrais bien y aller I'd love to go

• tu veux bien leur dire que... would you please tell them that...

• je veux bien encore un peu de café I'd like some more coffee

• encore un peu de thé ? -- je veux bien more tea? -- yes, please

• nous en parlerons plus tard, si vous le voulez bien we'll talk about it later, if you don't mind

• moi je veux bien, mais... fair enough (inf), but...

   e. (formules de politesse) voudriez-vous avoir l'obligeance or l'amabilité de... would you be so kind as to...

• voudriez-vous fermer la fenêtre ? would you mind closing the window?

• si vous voulez bien me suivre this way, please

   f. (ordre) veux-tu te taire ! will you be quiet!

• veuillez quitter la pièce immédiatement please leave the room at once

   g. ( = essayer de) to try

• elle voulut se lever mais elle retomba she tried to get up but she fell back

   h. ( = s'attendre à) to expect

• comment voulez-vous que je sache ? how should I know?

• avec 1 000 € par mois, comment veux-tu qu'elle s'en sorte ? how do you expect her to manage on 1,000 euros a month?

• que voulez-vous qu'on y fasse ? what do you expect us (or them etc) to do about it?

   i. ( = affirmer) to claim

• une philosophie qui veut que l'homme soit... a philosophy which claims that man is...

• la légende veut qu'il soit né ici according to legend he was born here

   j. ( = requérir) to require

• l'usage veut que... custom requires that...

• comme le veut la loi according to the law

• comme le veut la tradition according to tradition

   k. ( = faire) [destin, sort] le hasard voulut que... as luck would have it...

• le malheur a voulu qu'il prenne cette route he had the misfortune to take this road

   l. (locutions)

► en vouloir à qn to hold something against sb

• les deux frères s'en veulent à mort the two brothers absolutely hate each other

• en vouloir à qn de qch to hold sth against sb

• il m'en veut beaucoup d'avoir fait cela he holds a tremendous grudge against me for having done that

• je m'en veux d'avoir accepté I could kick myself (inf) for agreeing

• ne m'en veuillez pas don't hold it against me

• ne m'en voulez pas (inf) don't hold it against me

• tu ne m'en veux pas ? no hard feelings?

• je ne t'en veux pas I'm not angry with you► en vouloir à qch to be after sth

• il en veut à son argent he's after her money

• ils en voulaient à sa vie they wanted him dead

• ils en voulaient à sa réputation they wanted to ruin his reputation► vouloir dire to mean

• qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ? what does this mean?

• ça veut dire qu'il ne viendra pas it means he won't come

2. <

• vouloir de qn/qch to want sb/sth

• je ne veux pas de lui comme chauffeur I don't want him as a driver

• je l'accompagnerai si elle veut de moi I'll go with her if she'll have me

3. <

► se vouloir

• ce journal se veut objectif this newspaper claims to be unbiased

• son discours se veut rassurant what he says is meant to be reassuring

4. <

• bon vouloir goodwill

• attendre le bon vouloir de qn to wait on sb's pleasure

• cette décision dépend du bon vouloir du ministre this decision depends on the minister's goodwill

* * *

I
1. vulwaʀ

verbe transitif

1) ( exiger) to want

qu'est-ce qu'ils nous veulent (colloq) encore? — what do they want now?

comme le veut la loi — as the law demands

le règlement voudrait que tu portes une cravate — you're normally required to wear a tie

2) (désirer, souhaiter)

que veux-tu boire? — what do you want to drink?; ( plus poli) what would you like to drink?

comme tu veux — as you wish

je voudrais un kilo de poires — I'd like a kilo of pears

je comprends très bien que tu ne veuilles pas répondre — I can quite understand that you may not wish to reply

il ne suffit pas de vouloir, il faut encore pouvoir — wishing is not enough

il suffisait de vouloir — all you needed was the will to do it

on dira ce qu'on voudra — they can say what they like

tu veux que je te dise, c'est un escroc — I hate to say it, but he is a crook

sans le vouloir — [bousculer, révéler] by accident; [se retrouver] accidentally

il m'a fait mal sans le vouloir — he hurt me without meaning to

‘qu'est-ce qu'on fait ce soir?’ - ‘comme tu veux or voudras’ — ‘what shall we do tonight?’ - ‘whatever you like, it's up to you’

que tu le veuilles ou non — whether you like it or not

elle fait ce qu'elle veut de son mari — she twists her husband around her little finger

elle fait ce qu'elle veut de ses mains — she can do anything with her hands

je ne vous veux aucun mal — I don't wish you any harm

tu ne veux/voudrais pas me faire croire que — you're not telling/trying to tell me that

après ce qu'il a fait, tu voudrais que je lui fasse confiance? — do you expect me to trust him after what he's done?

comment veux-tu que je le sache? — how should I know?

pourquoi voudrais-tu qu'il refuse? — why should he refuse?

que veux-tu, on n'y peut rien! — what can you do, it's hopeless!

j'aurais voulu t'y voir! — (colloq) I'd like to have seen you in the same position!

tu l'auras voulu! — it'll be all your own fault!

3) ( accepter)

voulez-vous fermer la fenêtre? — would you mind closing the window?

voudriez-vous avoir l'obligeance de faire — fml would you be so kind as to do

on voudra bien se référer aux ouvrages suivants — please refer to the following works

voulez-vous répéter votre question, s'il vous plaît — would you repeat your question please

veuillez patienter — ( au téléphone) please hold the line

si vous voulez bien me suivre — if you'd like to follow me

veux-tu te taire! — will you be quiet!

ils ont bien voulu nous prêter leur voiture — they were kind enough to lend us their car

elle n'a pas voulu signer — she would not sign

le moteur ne veut pas partir — the engine won't start

elle veut bien prendre ce poste à condition d'être mieux payée — she's happy to take the job on condition that she's paid more

je veux bien te croire — I'm quite prepared to believe you

si l'on veut bien se rappeler que — if one remembers that

je veux bien qu'il soit malade mais — I know he's ill, but

‘ce n'est pas cher/difficile’ - ‘si on veut!’ — ‘it's not expensive/difficult’ - ‘or so you say!’

4) ( signifier)

vouloir dire — to mean

qu'est-ce que ça veut dire? — ( signification) what does that mean?; ( attitude) what's all this about?

tu ne veux pas dire qu'il est médecin? — you don't mean to tell me he's a doctor?

5) ( prétendre)

comme le veut la tradition — as tradition has it

leur théorie veut que — according to their theory

on a voulu voir en lui un pionnier de l'architecture — people tended to see him as a pioneering architect

2.

en vouloir verbe transitif indirect

1) (colloq) ( être déterminé)

il réussira, il en veut! — he wants to get on, and he'll succeed!

2) ( garder rancune)

en vouloir à quelqu'un — to bear a grudge against somebody

je leur en veux de m'avoir trompé — I hold it against them for not being honest with me

ne m'en veux pas — please forgive me

3) ( avoir des vues sur)

en vouloir à quelque chose — to be after something

3.

se vouloir verbe pronominal

1) ( prétendre être) [personne] to like to think of oneself as; [ouvrage, théorie, méthode] to be meant to be

2) ( chercher à être) to try to be

3) ( se reprocher)

s'en vouloir — to be cross with oneself

s'en vouloir de — to regret

je m'en veux d'avoir été si dur avec elle — I really regret being so hard on her

je m'en serais voulu de ne pas vous avoir prévenu — I would never have forgiven myself if I hadn't warned you

il ne faut pas vous en vouloir — you mustn't blame yourself

••

vouloir c'est pouvoir — Proverbe where there's a will there's a way

II vulwaʀ

nom masculin Philosophie will

bon vouloir — goodwill

attendre le bon vouloir de quelqu'un — to wait on somebody's pleasure sout

* * *

vulwaʀ

1. vt

1) (= exiger, désirer) to want

Elle veut un vélo pour Noël. — She wants a bike for Christmas.

Elle en veux trois. — She wants three of them.

Je ne veux pas de dessert. — I don't want any pudding.

Il ne veut pas venir. — He doesn't want to come.

Voulez-vous du thé? — Would you like some tea?, Do you want some tea?

Je voudrais ceci. — I would like this one.

Je voudrais faire... — I would like to do...

On va au cinéma? - Si tu veux. — Shall we go to the cinema? - If you like.

vouloir faire — to want to do

vouloir que qn fasse — to want sb to do

Que veux-tu que je te dise? — What do you want me to say?

sans le vouloir (= involontairement) — without meaning to, unintentionally

Je l'ai vexé sans le vouloir. — I upset him without meaning to.

2) [destin, circonstances]

le hasard a voulu que... — as fate would have it,...

la tradition veut que... — Tradition has it that...

3) (souhait vis-à-vis de qn)

vouloir qch à qn — to wish sth for sb

quelqu'un qui vous veut du bien — a well-wisher

que me veut-il? — what does he want with me?

4) (= consentir)

je veux bien (bonne volonté) — I'll be happy to, (concession) fair enough, that's fine, (en acceptant une proposition) I'd love to

Je veux bien le faire à ta place si ça t'arrange. — I don't mind doing it for you if you prefer.

Voulez-vous une tasse de thé? - Je veux bien. — Would you like a cup of tea? - Yes please.

5)

en vouloir à qn (rancune) — to be angry at sb, to bear sb a grudge

Il m'en veut de ne pas l'avoir invité à mon anniversaire. — He's angry at me for not inviting him to my birthday party.

je lui en veux d'avoir fait ça — I resent his having done that

6)

en vouloir à qch (convoitise) — to be after sth

Il en veut à mon argent. — He's after my money.

7) (formules de politesse)

veuillez patienter — please wait

8) (autres locutions)

oui, si on veut (= en quelque sorte) — yes, if you like

en vouloir (= être ambitieux) — to want to get on in life

vouloir de (= être prêt à accepter) — to want

La compagnie ne veut plus de lui. — The firm doesn't want him any more.

Elle ne veut pas de son aide. — She doesn't want his help.

vouloir dire — to mean

Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire? — What does that mean?

Que veut dire ce mot? — What does this word mean?

mais enfin, qu'est-ce que ça veut dire? — what's all this about then?

2. nm

le bon vouloir de qn — sb's goodwill, sb's pleasure

dépendre du bon vouloir de qn — to depend on sb's goodwill

selon son bon vouloir — at his pleasure

* * *

vouloir verb table: vouloir

A nm Philos will; bon vouloir goodwill; dépendre du bon vouloir de qn to depend on sb's goodwill; attendre le bon vouloir de qn to wait at sb's pleasure sout.

B vtr

1 ( exiger) to want; je veux une voiture/une nouvelle secrétaire I want a car/a new secretary; elle veut partir/que tout soit fini avant 8 heures she wants to leave/everything finished by 8 o'clock; que voulez-vous d'elle? what do you want from her?; qu'est-ce qu'ils nous veulent○ encore? what more do they want of us?; il vend sa voiture, il en veut 3 000 euros he's selling his car, he wants 3,000 euros for it; comme le veut la loi/la coutume as the law/custom demands; le règlement voudrait que tu portes une cravate you're normally required to wear a tie; ⇒ fin;

2 (désirer, souhaiter) que veux-tu boire/pour Noël? what do you want to drink/for Christmas?; ( plus poli) what would you like to drink/for Christmas?; comme tu veux or voudras as you wish; je voudrais un kilo de poires/vous parler en privé I'd like a kilo of pears/to speak to you in private; je comprends très bien que tu ne veuilles pas répondre I can quite understand that you may not wish to reply; tu vois que tu y arrives quand tu (le) veux you see you can do it when you really want to; il ne suffit pas de vouloir, il faut encore pouvoir wishing is not enough; ce n'était pas si difficile que ça, il suffisait de vouloir it wasn't that difficult, all you needed was the will to do it; elle veut/voudrait être astronaute she wants/would like to be an astronaut; je ne veux pas d'elle comme secrétaire I don't want her as a secretary; je ne veux pas de ce tableau dans ma chambre I don't want that picture in my room; je n'en veux pas, de ton argent! I don't want your money!; elle veut ton bonheur or que tu sois heureux she wants you to be happy; je voudrais bien rester/vous aider, mais I would like to stay/to help you, but; ils auraient bien voulu participer à la réunion d'hier they would have liked to have taken part in yesterday's meeting; je voudrais bien qu'on finisse avant la nuit I would like us to finish before tonight; nous aurions également voulu ajouter que we would also have liked to add that; je voulais vous dire que I wanted to tell you that; on dira ce qu'on voudra, c'était moins pollué avant they can say what they like, it was less polluted before; tu veux que je te dise? ton guide, c'est un escroc I hate to say it, but the guide is a crook; je ne voudrais pas vous déranger I don't want to put you out; sans vouloir te vexer, ton chapeau est un peu voyant without wanting to sound rude, your hat is a bit garish; sans le vouloir [bousculer, révéler] by accident; [se retrouver] accidentally; il m'a fait mal sans le vouloir he hurt me unintentionally ou without meaning to; viens quand tu veux come whenever you want ou like; fais comme tu veux, mais ne me dérange pas tout le temps! do what you like ou want, but don't keep bothering me all the time!; ‘qu'est-ce qu'on fait ce soir?’-‘comme tu veux or voudras’ ‘what shall we do tonight?’-‘whatever you like, it's up to you’; que tu le veuilles ou non whether you like it or not; elle fait ce qu'elle veut de son mari she twists her husband around her little finger; elle fait ce qu'elle veut de ses mains she can do anything with her hands; je ne vous veux aucun mal I don't wish you any harm; tu ne veux/voudrais pas me faire croire que you're not telling/trying to tell me that; après ce qu'il a fait, tu voudrais que je lui fasse confiance? do you expect me to trust him after what he's done?; comment voulez-vous qu'on travaille dans ces conditions? how do you expect people to work in these conditions?; que veux-tu que j'y fasse? what do you want ou expect me to do about it?; que veux-tu que je te dise? c'est de ta faute! what do you expect me to say? it's your fault!; comment veux-tu qu'elle résiste? how could she resist?; comment veux-tu que je le sache? how should I know?; pourquoi voudrais-tu qu'il refuse? why should he refuse?; c'est la vie, que voulez-vous! what can you do, that's life!; que veux-tu, on n'y peut rien! what can you do, it's hopeless!; j'aurais voulu t'y voir○! I'd like to have seen you in the same position!; tu l'auras voulu! it'll be all your own fault!; ⇒ beurre, peau, voilà;

3 ( accepter) voulez-vous (bien) fermer la fenêtre/me prêter votre stylo? would you mind closing the window/lending me your pen?; vous voudrez bien renvoyer le formulaire please return the form; tu voudras bien leur transmettre ce message will you please give them this message; voudriez-vous avoir l'obligeance de faire fml would you be so kind as to do; demander à or prier qn de bien vouloir faire fml to ask sb to be so kind as to do, to ask sb kindly to do sout; on voudra bien se référer aux ouvrages suivants please refer to the following works; voudrais-tu aller m'acheter le journal, s'il te plaît would you go and buy me the paper, please; voulez-vous or veuillez répéter votre question, s'il vous plaît would you repeat your question please; veuillez patienter ( au téléphone) please hold the line; si vous le voulez bien, nous commencerons sans lui if you don't mind, we'll start without him; si vous voulez bien me suivre if you'd like to follow me; si vous voulez bien de moi comme quatrième au bridge if you'll have me as a fourth at bridge; veux-tu (bien) te taire! will you (please) be quiet!; ils ont bien voulu nous prêter leur voiture they were kind enough to lend us their car; elle a bien voulu leur accorder une entrevue she was kind enough to grant them an interview; nous vous remercions d'avoir bien voulu faire thank you for doing; elle n'a pas voulu signer she would not sign; le bois ne veut pas brûler the wood won't burn; le moteur ne veut pas partir the engine won't start; ma blessure ne veut pas guérir my wound won't heal; tout le monde attendait qu'elle veuille (bien) se montrer everyone was waiting for her to put in an appearance; elle veut bien prendre ce poste à condition d'être mieux payée she's happy to take the job on condition that she's paid more; je veux bien te croire I'm quite prepared to believe you; ( plus réticent) I'd like to believe you; si l'on veut bien admettre/se rappeler que if one accepts/remembers that; il était mieux informé (des faits) qu'il ne veut bien le dire he knew more about it than he's prepared to admit; je veux bien croire que la vie est dure, mais I know life is hard, but; je veux bien qu'il soit malade/qu'ils fassent grève, mais I know he's ill/they're on strike, but; ‘ça s'est bien passé?’-‘si on veut’ ‘did it go well?’-‘so-so○’; ‘ce n'est pas cher/difficile’-‘si on veut!’ ‘it's not expensive/difficult’-‘or so you say!’; ‘c'était plus confortable avant!’-‘si tu veux, mais’ ‘it was more comfortable before!’-‘maybe, but’;

4 ( signifier) vouloir dire to mean; que veux-tu dire? what do you mean?; qu'est-ce que ça veut dire? ( signification) what does that mean?; ( attitude) what's all this about?; pour moi, ça ne veut rien dire it means nothing to me; et alors, ça veut dire quoi de bousculer les gens comme ça○? hey, what do you mean by pushing people like that?; ça veut tout simplement dire qu'on va payer plus d'impôts it simply means we're going to pay higher taxes; que voulez-vous dire par là? what (exactly) do you mean by that?; tu ne veux pas dire qu'il est médecin? you don't mean to tell me he's a doctor ?; ça voudrait dire tout refaire that would mean doing everything all over again;

5 ( prétendre) la légende veut que legend has it that; comme le veut la légende/tradition as legend/tradition has it; leur théorie veut que according to their theory; on a voulu voir en lui un pionnier de l'architecture people tended to see him as a pioneering architect.

C en vouloir vtr ind

1 ○( être déterminé) to want to get on; il réussira, il en veut! he wants to get on, and he'll succeed!; ce sont de bons élèves/soldats, et qui en veulent they are good students/soldiers who want to get on;

2 ( garder rancune) en vouloir à qn to bear a grudge against sb; je leur en veux de m'avoir trompé I hold it against them for not being honest with me; ne m 'en veux pas si je remets notre rendez-vous please forgive me if I put off our meeting;

3 ( avoir des vues sur) en vouloir à qch to be after sth; elle en veut à notre fortune she's after our money.

D se vouloir vpr

1 ( prétendre être) [personne] to like to think of oneself as; [ouvrage, théorie, méthode] to be meant to be; ils se veulent pacifistes/rassurants they like to think of themselves as pacifists/as being reassuring; mon livre se veut objectif/à la portée de tous my book is meant to be objective/accessible to all;

2 ( chercher à être) to try to be; les dirigeants se sont voulus conciliants the leaders tried to be conciliatory;

3 ( se reprocher) s'en vouloir to be cross with oneself; s'en vouloir de to regret; je m'en veux d'avoir été si dur avec elle/de ne pas l'avoir écoutée I really regret being so hard on her/not listening to her; je m'en serais voulu de ne pas vous avoir prévenu I would never have forgiven myself if I hadn't warned you; il ne faut pas vous en vouloir, ce n'était pas de votre faute! you mustn't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault!

Idiomes

vouloir c'est pouvoir Prov, quand on veut, on peut where there's a will there's a way; je veux○! you bet○!

I

[vulwar] nom masculin

(soutenu)

bon vouloir goodwill

mauvais vouloir ill will

II

[vulwar] verbe transitif

A.[AVOIR POUR BUT]

1. [être décidé à obtenir] to want

je le ferai, que tu le veuilles ou non I'll do it, whether you like it or not

vouloir absolument (obtenir) quelque chose to be set on (getting) something

quand elle veut quelque chose, elle le veut! when she's decided she wants something, she's determined (to get it)!

si tu veux mon avis if you ask me

lui, j'en fais (tout) ce que je veux I've got him eating out of my hand

vouloir que: je ne veux pas que tu lui dises I don't want you to tell him

je veux absolument que tu ranges ta chambre I insist (that) you tidy up your bedroom

vouloir faire quelque chose to want to do something

elle veut récupérer son enfant/être reçue par le ministre she's determined to get her child back/that the Minister should see her

arrangez-vous comme vous voulez, mais je veux être livré demain I don't mind how you do it but I insist the goods are delivered tomorrow

je ne veux pas entendre parler de ça! I won't hear of it ou such a thing!

je ne veux plus en parler I don't want to talk about it any more

à ton âge, pourquoi vouloir faire le jeune homme? at your age, why do you try to act like a young man?

vouloir quelque chose de: il veut 45 000 euros de son studio he wants 45,000 euros for his bedsit

vouloir quelque chose de quelqu'un to want something from somebody

que veux-tu de moi?, qu'est-ce que tu me veux? what do you want from me?

(en usage absolu)

quand tu veux, tu fais très bien la cuisine you can cook beautifully when you put your mind to it

il peut être vraiment désagréable quand il veut he can be a real nuisance when he wants to

vouloir, c'est pouvoir (proverbe) , quand on veut, on peut where there's a will, there's a way (proverbe)

2. [prétendre - suj: personne] to claim

3. [avoir l'intention de]

vouloir faire quelque chose to want ou to intend ou to mean to do something

sans vouloir me mêler de tes affaires/te contredire... I don't want to interfere/to contradict you but...

je l'ai vexé sans le vouloir I offended him unintentionally ou without meaning to

je ne voudrais surtout pas t'empêcher de voir ton match! I wouldn't dream of preventing you from watching the match!

vouloir dire: il ne s'est pas ennuyé ce soir-là — que veux-tu dire par là? he had some fun that night — what do you mean by that ou what are you getting at?

vous voulez dire qu'on l'a tuée? do you mean ou are you suggesting (that) she was killed?

4. [essayer de]

vouloir faire to want ou to try to do

en voulant la sauver, il s'est noyé he drowned in his attempt ou trying to rescue her

tu veux me faire peur? are you trying to frighten me?

5. [s'attendre à] to expect

tu voudrais peut-être aussi que je te remercie! you don't expect to be thanked into the bargain, do you?

pourquoi voudrais-tu qu'on se fasse cambrioler? why do you assume we might be burgled?

que veux-tu que j'y fasse? what do you want me to do about it?, what can I do about it?

que voulez-vous que je vous dise? what can I say?, what do you want me to say?

6. (familier) [sexuellement] to want

B.[PRÉFÉRER, SOUHAITER]

1. [dans un choix] to want, to wish

jus d'ananas ou d'orange? — ce que tu veux! pineapple or orange juice? — whatever ou I don't mind!

on prend ma voiture ou la tienne? — c'est comme tu veux shall we take my car or yours? — as you wish ou please ou like

je me débrouillerai seule — comme tu voudras! I'll manage on my own — suit yourself!

où va-t-on? — où tu veux where are we going? — wherever you want

je pourrai revenir? — bien sûr, quand vous voulez! may I come again? — of course, any time ou whenever you want!

tu peux dessiner une maison si tu veux you could draw a house, if you like

tu l'as ou l'auras voulu! you asked for it!

2. [dans une suggestion] to want

veux-tu de l'aide? do you want ou would you like some help?

tu veux une fessée? do you want your bottom smacked?

voudriez-vous vous joindre à nous? would you care ou like to join us?

3. [dans un souhait]

je ne veux que ton bonheur I only want you to be happy

j'aurais tellement voulu être avec vous I'd have so much liked ou loved to have been with you

quand tu me parles, je te voudrais un autre ton (soutenu) please don't use that tone when you're talking to me

comme je voudrais avoir des enfants! how I'd love to have children!

elle voudrait vous dire quelques mots en privé she'd like a word with you in private

je voudrais vous y voir! I'd like to see how YOU'd cope with it!

aller au match sans avoir rangé ta chambre, je voudrais bien voir ça! (ironique) whatever gave you the idea (that) you could go to the match without tidying up your room first?

4. [dans une demande polie]

veuillez m'excuser un instant (will you) please excuse me for a moment

veuillez avoir l'obligeance de... would you kindly ou please...

veuillez recevoir, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées yours sincerely (UK) ou truly (US)

veuillez vous retirer, Marie you may go now, Marie

voudriez-vous avoir l'amabilité de me prêter votre crayon? would you be so kind as to lend me your pencil?

nous voudrions une chambre pour deux personnes we'd like a double room

je vous serais reconnaissant de bien vouloir m'envoyer votre brochure I should be glad to receive your brochure

voulez-vous me suivre please follow me

5. [dans un rappel à l'ordre]

veux-tu (bien) me répondre! will you (please) answer me?

voulez-vous ne pas toucher à ça! please don't touch that!

ne m'interromps pas, tu veux!, veuille bien ne pas m'interrompre! will you please not interrupt me?, would you mind not interrupting me?

un peu de respect, tu veux (bien) a bit less cheek, if you don't mind!

C.[SUJET: CHOSE]

1. [se prêter à, être en état de]

les haricots ne veulent pas cuire the beans won't cook

la télé ne marche que quand elle veut (humoristique) the TV only works when it feels like it

2. [exiger] to require

la tradition voulait que... it was a tradition that...

la dignité de notre profession veut que... the dignity of our profession demands that...

comme le veulent les usages as convention dictates

les lois le veulent ainsi that is what the law says

[prétendre]

comme le veut une vieille légende as an old legend has it

3. [déterminer - suj: destin, hasard, malheur]

la chance a voulu que... as luck would have it...

le malheur voulut qu'il fût seul ce soir-là unfortunately he was alone that night

le calendrier a voulu que cela tombe un lundi it fell on a Monday, as it so happened

4. [s'efforcer de]

le décor veut évoquer une ferme normande the decor strives ou tries to suggest a Normandy farmhouse

5.

vouloir dire

a. [avoir comme sens propre] to mean

b. [avoir comme implication] to mean, to suggest

je me demande ce que veut dire ce changement d'attitude I wonder what the meaning of this turn-around is ou what this turn-around means

cela ne veut rien dire it doesn't mean anything

ça veut tout dire! that says it all!

ça veut bien dire ce que ça veut dire! it's clear ou plain enough!

tu vas m'obéir, non mais, qu'est-ce que ça veut dire? (familier) for goodness's sake will you do as I say!

6. GRAMMAIRE to take

D.[LOCUTIONS] [consenti, accepter]

bien vouloir: bien vouloir faire quelque chose to be willing ou to be prepared ou to be quite happy to do something

je veux bien être patient, mais il y a des limites! I can be patient, but there are limits!

un petit café? — oui, je veux bien fancy a coffee? — yes please

poussons jusqu'à la prochaine ville — moi je veux bien, mais il est tard! let's go on to the next town — I don't mind, but it is late!

bien vouloir [admettre]: je veux bien qu'il y ait des restrictions budgétaires mais... I understand (that) there are cuts in the budget but...

je veux bien avoir des défauts, mais pas celui-là granted, I have some shortcomings, but that isn't one of them

moi je veux bien! (it's) fine by me!

il a dit nous avoir soutenus, moi je veux bien, mais le résultat est là! he said he supported us, OK ou and that may be so, but look at the result!

il t'a cogné? — je veux! (familier) : je veux (familier) did he hit you? — and how ou he sure did!

que veux-tu, que voulez-vous: c'est ainsi, que voulez-vous! that's just the way it is!

j'accepte ses humeurs, que veux-tu! I (just) put up with his moods, what can I do?

si tu veux, si vous voulez more or less, if you like

————————

vouloir de verbe plus préposition

1. [être prêt à accepter]

vouloir de quelqu'un/quelque chose to want somebody/something

je ne veux pas d'une relation sérieuse I don't want a serious relationship

2. (locution)

en vouloir (familier) : elle en veut

a. [elle a de l'ambition] she wants to make it ou to win

b. [elle a de l'application] she's dead keen

il faut en vouloir pour réapprendre à marcher you need a lot of determination to learn to walk again

en vouloir à quelqu'un [éprouver de la rancune] to bear ou to have a grudge against somebody

je ne l'ai pas fait exprès, ne m'en veux pas I didn't do it on purpose, don't be cross with me

décidément, ton chien m'en veut your dog's definitely got something against me

tu ne m'en veux pas? no hard feelings?

elle m'en voulait de mon manque d'intérêt pour elle she resented my lack of interest in her

elle lui en veut d'avoir refusé she holds it against him that he said no

en vouloir à quelqu'un/quelque chose [le convoiter]: elle en veut à ma fortune she's after my money

en vouloir à quelque chose [vouloir le détruire] to seek to damage something

qui peut en vouloir à ma vie/réputation? who could wish me dead/would want to damage my reputation?

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se vouloir verbe pronominal intransitif

je me voudrais plus audacieux I'd like to be bolder

le livre se veut une satire de l'aristocratie allemande the book claims ou is supposed to be a satire on the German aristocracy

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s'en vouloir verbe pronominal

(emploi réfléchi) to be angry ou annoyed with oneself

je m'en veux de l'avoir laissé partir I feel bad at having let him go

je m'en voudrais! (familier) not likely!

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s'en vouloir verbe pronominal

(emploi réciproque)

elles s'en veulent à mort they really hate each other

en veux-tu en voilà locution adverbiale

(familier) [en abondance]

il y avait des glaces en veux-tu en voilà there were ice creams galore

il lui faisait des compliments en veux-tu en voilà he was showering her with compliments

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si l'on veut locution adverbiale

1. [approximativement] if you like

2. [pour exprimer une réserve]

il est fidèle... si l'on veut! he's faithful... after a fashion!