This French expression paints a vivid picture of what happens when you've reached your limit.
Why do I need to know être sur les rotules?
Whether you've just finished a marathon, worked a 12-hour shift or spent the day chasing children around, you might hear this French expression.
What does it mean?
The expression être sur les rotules, roughly pronounced ehtr sewr lay roh-tewl (listen here), literally translates to "being on your kneecaps". In reality, it means "to be exhausted" or "to be worn out". Although it often refers to physical exhaustion, it can also be used for mental fatigue after a stressful or demanding period.
The expression être sur les rotules comes from the image of someone who is so exhausted that they can no longer remain standing and end up on their knees. The English equivalent is 'being on your knees', but French gets a little more specific about the body part.
The word rotule (kneecap) derives from the Latin rotula, meaning "little wheel," a reference to the small, rounded bone at the front of the knee - you'll mostly hear it used in medical contexts.
French media often use this expression to describe people or services under intense pressure. When applied to organisations or public services, the expression suggests they are overstretched, overworked or close to collapse, rather than literally tired.
Use it like this
Après dix heures de randonnée, j'étais sur les rotules. - After ten hours of hiking, I was exhausted.
À la fin de la semaine, je suis sur les rotules. - By the end of the week, I'm on my knees
Les hôpitaux sont sur les rotules. - Hospitals are at breaking point.
Other expressions that convey a similar idea:
être crevé - to be shattered
être lessivé - to be wiped out
être à bout de forces - to be at the end of your strength
être KO - to be knocked out, exhausted
