Glossary entry (derived from question below)
French term or phrase:
prendre quelqu’un à partie
English translation:
bear witness to/be an advocate for her
Added to glossary by
Cristina Balmus
Nov 2, 2010 12:16
13 yrs ago
2 viewers *
French term
Romania
Accuracy is the key
Native in: Romanian 
Works in: English to Romanian, Romanian to English, French to Romanian, and 3 more.
prendre quelqu’un à partie
French to English
Art/Literary
Poetry & Literature
Qu’importent les témoins, l’impartialité du jugement! Je n’y crois plus. Il n’y a pas de crimes ici, pas de fautes, pas de responsabilités. Il n’est pas question de justice, de verdict, d’impartialité. Tout au contraire. Je veux être partial. Je veux ***prendre Michelle à partie***, dans ma partie.
This excerpt is from the beginning of the novel in which the author explains how he got to be writing about this character "Michelle" that influenced his life and whom he very much appreciates (years after her death and following numerous attempts at beginning the book).
The meaning I have found for "prendre quelqu’un à partie" is to attack, to bring a suit against, etc. I, however, have the feeling that there is more to it in this particular context.
Thank you,
This excerpt is from the beginning of the novel in which the author explains how he got to be writing about this character "Michelle" that influenced his life and whom he very much appreciates (years after her death and following numerous attempts at beginning the book).
The meaning I have found for "prendre quelqu’un à partie" is to attack, to bring a suit against, etc. I, however, have the feeling that there is more to it in this particular context.
Thank you,
Proposed translations
(English)
Proposed translations
1 day 4 hrs
Catherine Gilsenan
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Native in English
United Kingdom
A Professional Service Handled With Care
Native in: English 
Works in: French to English, Spanish to English
Related KudoZ points
:
7
Selected
bear witness to/be an advocate for her
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Note added at 1 day4 hrs (2010-11-03 16:44:56 GMT)
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take up her cause/speak for her/allow her story to be told
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Note added at 1 day4 hrs (2010-11-03 16:44:56 GMT)
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take up her cause/speak for her/allow her story to be told
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "Thank you!"
2 hrs
Philippa Smith
Native in English
Works in field
29 years turning out perfect English
Native in: English (Variant: British)
Works in: French to English, Spanish to English
Related KudoZ points
:
52
conjure up Michelle's voice
As in, "I want to conjure up Michelle's voice to help me put my case."
I agree with the discussion entries, and would just add that the word play element, of "partie" used twice, also no doubt explains why the author expresses her/himself in this way (plus the use of a legal term to extend the metaphor of the previous sentences).
I think you just need to get across the idea of Michelle as a witness in the partial telling of the story, and there are many ways you can chose to do it. My suggestion uses the idea of conjuring up the voice of someone no longer alive, and sticks to the courtroom metaphor the author is using in this paragraph. Hope it helps get some ideas rolling!
I agree with the discussion entries, and would just add that the word play element, of "partie" used twice, also no doubt explains why the author expresses her/himself in this way (plus the use of a legal term to extend the metaphor of the previous sentences).
I think you just need to get across the idea of Michelle as a witness in the partial telling of the story, and there are many ways you can chose to do it. My suggestion uses the idea of conjuring up the voice of someone no longer alive, and sticks to the courtroom metaphor the author is using in this paragraph. Hope it helps get some ideas rolling!
2 hrs
present [her] as I remember her, the way I remember it
one possibility that sidesteps the legalistic overtones
3 hrs
I want to call upon her for my party
Hello,
I want her to be a witness in our favor? Is that the idea?
I know that "prendre à partie" can mean to "call upon" someone, like a student, for an answer/position, etc.
I hope this helps.
I want her to be a witness in our favor? Is that the idea?
I know that "prendre à partie" can mean to "call upon" someone, like a student, for an answer/position, etc.
I hope this helps.
+1
4 hrs
to get somebody on side/to seek support from somebody
I want to Michelle to speak up for me, I want her to be on my side.
This is how I understand the term as used here.
This is how I understand the term as used here.
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Helen Shiner
: Yes, I want her on my side or I want her on side.
48 mins
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Thanks, Helen.
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+1
13 hrs
Maia Tabet
Native in French
&
English
No job too difficult
Native in: English , French
Works in: Arabic to English, French to English
to take someone to task for ...
Or maybe "to implicate" or even "build a case against." It depends very much on the background in the story-line into which the quoted passage does not give sufficient insight.
Discussion
"Ces prières... marqueront pour cet involontaire esprit non un repos, mais au contraire une période d'inquiétude. Il semble parler beaucoup de Dieu pour tâcher de se prouver qu'il y croit... Prendre Dieu à partie sans cesse... donnerait à entendre qu'on en attend encore en vain une réponse." Gide - Œuvres complètes, III , p.175. (ici le sens est invoquer)
Autre sens (proche) : il m'a pris à partie = il m'a sommé de donner mon avis, de prendre position