“Les Bras M’en Tombent”: The French Phrase That Will Leave You Shocked and Speechless!

"Les bras m'en tombent" is a widely used French idiom that expresses strong surprise or shock. It's equivalent to saying, "I’m speechless" or "I’m floored."

Literally, it means "my arms are falling off". The idea is that when you are so surprised, you become completely paralyzed or stunned, as if your arms have dropped and you can't respond.

"les bras m'en tombent" really shows disbelief, not just mild surprise, something that catches you completely off guard.

You use the phrase in situations where something so surprising or unexpected - good or bad - happens that you’re left without words.

It’s similar to "I’m floored" in English, where the idea is that you’re so surprised that you’re metaphorically knocked off your feet!

For example: say you've been working hard and expecting a modest year-end bonus. But then your boss announces that the company is giving everyone an unexpected extra month’s salary. When someone break the news to you, you say:

"C'est vrai? Alors là, les bras m'en tombent!"

Really? Wow I'm speechless!

Another example: suppose you find out your neighbor, who you thought was quiet and simple, is actually a retired rock star. You might say to another neighbor:

"Les bras m'en tombent, je n'aurais jamais cru ça!"

I’m totally shocked, I would have never believed that!

The phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the situation. You might hear it in conversations with friends, family, or even in professional environments.

Again, it conveys a strong emotional reaction, so it’s not something you would use for minor surprises. It’s for those moments when something completely unexpected leaves you almost frozen.

Related phrases

Here are 3 close phrases that express similar feelings of surprise or disbelief:

"Je n'en reviens pas"

I can’t believe it.

"Je reste sans voix"

"I'm speechless."

"Je suis soufflé"

I’m blown away.

These phrases are often interchangeable with "les bras m'en tombent" in the right context.

Check out this other post for 10 cool ways to express surprise in French!