hold court

tenir le crachoir, être le centre de l’attention

Attirer un groupe de personnes qui écoutent et parler plus que les autres.

En anglais simple : To attract a group of listeners and do most of the talking.

• Grandpa held court after dinner.
• She was holding court at a corner table.
• He loves to hold court while everyone listens to his stories.

Synonymes : dominate the conversation, be the center of attention

Expressions courantes : hold court at dinner, hold court with friends

tenir une audience

Pour un juge ou un tribunal, mener un procès ou une autre audience.

En anglais simple : For a judge or court to conduct a trial or another legal hearing.

• The judge holds court on Mondays.
• They held court in a temporary building.
• Will the magistrate hold court here tomorrow?

Synonymes : conduct a hearing, hear cases

Expressions courantes : hold court tomorrow, hold court in public

tenir sa cour

Pour un souverain, présider une réunion officielle où il reçoit des invités ou discute des affaires de l’État.

En anglais simple : For a ruler to lead a formal gathering where guests attend or state matters are discussed.

• The queen held court that morning.
• The king used to hold court in the great hall.
• Ambassadors waited while the emperor held court.

Synonymes : receive courtiers

Expressions courantes : hold court daily, hold court at home