It is a colloquial expression that is only used among friends or at least good acquaintances, as it is somewhat mocking (in a friendly kind of way).
For example, one might say:
“Max hat am Wochenende einen französischen Aufbruch hingelegt.” (Max took the French leave at the weekend - you can also say “…einen französischen Abgang…”)
Or:
“Max hat am Wochenende den Franzosen gemacht.” (Max did the Frenchmen at the weekend)
Both mean that Max left a party or some other social event at the weekend without saying goodbye to the others or the hosts (“Max hat sich aus dem Staub gemacht”).
It is a colloquial expression that is only used among friends or at least good acquaintances, as it is somewhat mocking (in a friendly kind of way).
For example, one might say:
“Max hat am Wochenende einen französischen Aufbruch hingelegt.” (Max took the French leave at the weekend - you can also say “…einen französischen Abgang…”)
Or:
“Max hat am Wochenende den Franzosen gemacht.” (Max did the Frenchmen at the weekend)
Both mean that Max left a party or some other social event at the weekend without saying goodbye to the others or the hosts (“Max hat sich aus dem Staub gemacht”).
Strange, never heard it with French. I only know it as “Polnischer Abgang” 😅
Yes, I’ve heard that too—it probably varies from region to region.
From what I’ve read, the French seem to say “English leave.”