À la limite
Expression: À la limite
Pronunciation: [
a la lee meet]
Meaning: to the limits, if pushed, at most, ultimately, in a pinch, barely...
Literal translation: to/at the limit
Register: normal
Notes: The French expression
à la limite is extremely versatile - it's hard to pin down exactly what it means.
Il m'a poussé à la limite de ma patience.
He pushed me to the limits of my patience.
Nous achèterons deux valises, trois à la limite.
We'll buy two suitcases, three at the most.
À la limite, on croirait qu'il le fait exprès.
You'd almost think he's doing it on purpose.
Ce repas est à la limite du comestible.
This meal is barely edible.
J'irais chez ma mère à la limite.
In a pinch, I'd go to my mom's house.
You can use the French expression
à la limite when you're not quite sure of how much of something you need, or when talking about possibilities. In this sense, it's synonymous with
à la rigueur.
