Cherchez

/ʃɛrˈʃeɪ/ verb

Definition

To search or seek for something; used in the French phrase 'cherchez la femme' meaning look for the woman (implying a woman is behind events).

Etymology

From French 'chercher' (to search), from Old French 'cerchier,' from Latin 'circare' (to go around). The English usage is borrowed directly from French, especially in the famous phrase.

Kelly Says

'Cherchez la femme' became such a cliché in detective fiction and Victorian literature that it actually influenced how people thought about blame and motivation for centuries!

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