French sayings Day 2 : COUPER L'HERBE SOUS LE PIED Literally, the translation is "to cut the grass under somebody's feet" ! The meaning is "To frustrate somebody with an expected advantage by passing them, or to prevent somebody from succeeding in business by taking their place". e.g. "Je voulais offrir ce sac à ma mère, mais mon père m'a coupé l'herbe sous le pied en l'achetant avant !" You can also use the verb "devancer" to describe the same situation.