"Menage a Trois" | What Does This Idiomatic Expression Mean? • 7ESL

Contents

You may have heard the term ‘menage a trois’ during a conversation and wondered what the speaker was referring to. We are going to take a look at the meaning behind this saying and how it can be used during a conversation and within a sentence. We will also look at the origin of the saying.

“Menage a Trois”

“Menage a Trois” Meaning

When someone uses the term ‘menage a trois’ they are referring to a sexual encounter which takes place between three people. The phrase can also refer to a poly-amorous relationship where three people live together as spouses.

Origin of this idiom

The term ‘menage a trois’ finds its roots in the French language in which the phrase means ‘household of three.’

“Menage a Trois” Examples

Examples in Statements

This first statement is being made during a news report.

‘We visited Mr Brown and his two wives who say they are happy living as a menage a trois.’

The next statement is being said by a friend about another friend.

‘Did you hear what Clive got up to last weekend? He had a menage a trois.’

Conversation Examples

There may be many times that the term ‘menage a trois’ will be heard in a conversation. Here are some examples to show how it might sound.

The first conversation is between two friends.

Person 1: “I am thinking about ending my relationship with Phil.”
Person 2: “Why on earth would you do that? I thought you really liked him.”
Person 1: “I do, but last week he asked me if I would take part in a menage a trois and I’m totally not into that.”

This next conversation is occurring between a husband and wife.

Person 1: “There is a new family moving in next door.”
Person 2: “Is there, do you know anything about them?”
Person 1: “Only that they’re living in a menage a trois, one husband and two wives.”

Other Ways to Say “Menage a Trois”

There are other ways you can say the term ‘menage a trois’ using different wording. Here are some examples of other things you could say which mean the same thing.

Threesome
Threeway
Polygamy

Liam Daniel

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