Why “Filer un Mauvais Coton” Could Be the Warning Sign You’re Ignoring
The phrase "filer un mauvais coton", literally "To spin a bad cotton" is used to describe someone whose health, behavior, or situation is deteriorating.
Figurative and informal expression, it is said of someone who is on a dangerous slope where they risk losing their wealth, credit, reputation, or integrity.
In everyday life, you use it when you notice subtle changes in a person's well-being or behavior. It suggests that things are getting worse and could lead to serious problems if not addressed.
In the 17th century, when it came to weaving, a fabric plagued by lint was said to be 'throwing cotton.' This meant that the fabric was worn out and would soon die. This expression was used to indicate that one was heading for bankruptcy.
Nowadays, "filer un mauvais coton" is used to talk about someone whose health is declining, someone making poor life choices, like falling into bad habits, or someone who is heading down a dangerous path.
"Depuis qu'il a quitté son travail, il file un mauvais coton."
This could means that since he left his job, his health has been deteriorating. But it might also mean that he's been doing shady things.
"Elle traîne avec des gens louches et file un mauvais coton."
She's hanging out with shady people and is heading for trouble.
"Avec toutes ces dettes, ils filent un mauvais coton."
With all those debts, they're heading for trouble.
"Depuis qu'ils ne communiquent plus, leur couple file un mauvais coton."
Since they stopped communicating, their relationship is deteriorating.
"Il a commencé à boire de plus en plus, et maintenant, il file un mauvais coton."
He started drinking more and more, and now he's going down a bad path.
Similar expressions
"Être sur une mauvaise pente": This means "to be on a slippery slope." It imples that someone is heading towards trouble, similar to "filer un mauvais coton."
"Prendre un mauvais pli": Literally, "to take a bad fold," meaning to develop bad habits or behavior.