Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Wikipedia
Usage examples of "cherchez".
There's an old saying in classic mysteries, which I'd never felt made much sense -- cherchez la femme.
I had my own catchphrase for solving many modern-day mysteries -- cherchez l' argent.
What it derives from I don't know, although cherchez la femme might be a good bet.
What it derives from I don’t know, although cherchez la femme might be a good bet.