Dutch idioms and sayings

to buy something without checking it first ≈ to buy a pig in a poke

Literally: “to buy a cat in the bag”

Die tweedehands auto bleek kapot te zijn: ik heb echt een kat in de zak gekocht. — That second-hand car turned out to be broken: I really bought a pig in a poke.

to wait and see how things develop before acting ≈ to see which way the cat jumps

Literally: “to watch the cat out of the tree”

Ik reageer nog niet; ik kijk eerst de kat uit de boom. — I'm not responding yet; I'll wait and see first.

in a panicked, disorganised way ≈ like a headless chicken

Literally: “like a chicken without a head”

Ze rende als een kip zonder kop door het huis om haar sleutels te zoeken. — She ran around the house like a headless chicken looking for her keys.

to do things in the wrong order ≈ to put the cart before the horse

Literally: “to harness the horse behind the cart”

Een huis kopen voordat je een baan hebt, is het paard achter de wagen spannen. — Buying a house before you have a job is putting the cart before the horse.

to not be bothered by criticism ≈ to have a thick skin

Literally: “to have an elephant's skin”

Als politicus moet je een olifantenhuid hebben. — As a politician you need to have a thick skin.

to make a small problem seem much bigger than it is ≈ to make a mountain out of a molehill

Literally: “to make an elephant out of a mosquito”

Het is maar een krasje; je maakt van een mug een olifant. — It's just a little scratch; you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

to achieve two things with one action ≈ to kill two birds with one stone

Literally: “to hit two flies with one swat”

Als ik naar mijn werk fiets, sla ik twee vliegen in één klap: ik beweeg en ik bespaar geld. — If I cycle to work, I kill two birds with one stone: I get exercise and I save money.

to feel completely at home somewhere ≈ to be in your element

Literally: “to feel like a fish in the water”

Op haar nieuwe school voelt ze zich als een vis in het water. — She's completely in her element at her new school.

someone who doesn't fit in with the group ≈ the odd one out

Literally: “a strange duck in the hole in the ice”

Als enige Engelsman op het kantoor was hij een beetje een vreemde eend in de bijt. — As the only Englishman in the office he was a bit of an odd one out.

that makes no sense at all; it's completely irrelevant

Literally: “That fits like pliers on a pig.”

Zijn antwoord sloeg als een tang op een varken; het had niets met de vraag te maken. — His answer made no sense at all; it had nothing to do with the question.

to make a stupid mistake ≈ to drop a clanger

Literally: “to shoot a billy goat”

Ik heb een flinke bok geschoten: ik heb de mail naar de verkeerde klant gestuurd. — I made a real blunder: I sent the email to the wrong client.

to tackle a difficult problem directly ≈ to take the bull by the horns

Literally: “to grab the cow by the horns”

Ik heb de koe bij de horens gevat en mijn baas om opslag gevraagd. — I took the bull by the horns and asked my boss for a raise.

to always be the first to act or take the lead

Literally: “to be the little rooster at the front”

Als er iets georganiseerd moet worden, is Mark altijd haantje de voorste. — When something needs organising, Mark is always the first to step up.

to be the one in a family or group who is seen as a disgrace ≈ to be the black sheep

Literally: “to be the black sheep”

Mijn oom is het zwarte schaap van de familie. — My uncle is the black sheep of the family.

clumsily and tactlessly ≈ like a bull in a china shop

Literally: “like an elephant in a china cabinet”

Hij gedroeg zich op de begrafenis als een olifant in een porseleinkast. — He behaved like a bull in a china shop at the funeral.

to get goosebumps (from cold, fear or emotion) ≈ to get goosebumps

Literally: “to get chicken skin”

Als ik dat lied hoor, krijg ik nog steeds kippenvel. — When I hear that song, I still get goosebumps.

to have a hangover

Literally: “to have a tomcat”

Na het feest had ik een flinke kater. — After the party I had a terrible hangover.

to go to bed very early

Literally: “to go to roost with the chickens”

Ik ga vanavond met de kippen op stok, want morgen moet ik om vijf uur op. — I'm going to bed early tonight, because tomorrow I have to get up at five.

now we see the real intention or the truth behind it

Literally: “There comes the monkey out of the sleeve.”

Hij is ineens heel aardig tegen me. O, hij wil mijn auto lenen; daar komt de aap uit de mouw! — He's suddenly being very nice to me. Oh, he wants to borrow my car; so that's what's behind it!

to stir up trouble by drawing attention to something that is better left alone ≈ to not let sleeping dogs lie

Literally: “to wake sleeping dogs”

Ik ga de Belastingdienst niet bellen over die oude aangifte; je moet geen slapende honden wakker maken. — I'm not going to call the tax office about that old tax return; let sleeping dogs lie.

there's nobody there at all ≈ there isn't a soul

Literally: “There is no dog.”

Ik kwam om negen uur op het feest, maar er was nog geen hond. — I arrived at the party at nine, but there wasn't a soul there yet.

to try to keep both sides happy and avoid choosing ≈ to sit on the fence

Literally: “to spare the cabbage and the goat”

De minister probeert de kool en de geit te sparen, maar zo maakt hij niemand blij. — The minister is trying to sit on the fence, but that way he isn't making anyone happy.

to make someone angry instantly ≈ to be like a red rag to a bull

Literally: “to work like a red cloth on a bull”

Kritiek op zijn auto werkt op hem als een rode lap op een stier. — Criticism of his car is like a red rag to a bull for him.

a trick that helps you remember something

Literally: “a little donkey's bridge”

't Kofschip is een bekend ezelsbruggetje voor de spelling van werkwoorden. — 't Kofschip is a well-known memory trick for spelling Dutch verbs.

to run away very quickly

Literally: “to go off like a hare”

Toen de eigenaar thuiskwam, gingen de inbrekers er als een haas vandoor. — When the owner came home, the burglars ran off as fast as they could.

to bring something to a place that already has plenty of it; to do something pointless ≈ to carry coals to Newcastle

Literally: “to carry owls to Athens”

Een Nederlander uitleggen hoe je fietst, is uilen naar Athene dragen. — Explaining to a Dutch person how to ride a bike is carrying coals to Newcastle.

extremely proud ≈ as proud as a peacock

Literally: “as proud as a peacock”

Na zijn eerste doelpunt liep hij zo trots als een pauw over het veld. — After his first goal he walked across the pitch as proud as a peacock.

very ill ≈ as sick as a dog

Literally: “as sick as a dog”

Ik heb iets verkeerds gegeten en nu ben ik zo ziek als een hond. — I ate something bad and now I'm as sick as a dog.

someone who seems harmless but is actually dangerous ≈ a wolf in sheep's clothing

Literally: “a wolf in sheep's clothes”

Die vriendelijke verkoper bleek een wolf in schaapskleren te zijn. — That friendly salesman turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

nobody will notice or care about it ≈ no one will be any the wiser

Literally: “No rooster crows after that.”

Neem gerust een paar pennen mee; daar kraait geen haan naar. — Feel free to take a few pens; no one will be any the wiser.

to know nothing about something

Literally: “to have eaten no cheese of something”

Vraag het maar niet aan mij, want ik heb geen kaas gegeten van computers. — Don't ask me, because I know nothing about computers.

to be left to deal with the problems someone else caused ≈ to be left holding the baby

Literally: “to be sitting with the baked pears”

Mijn huisgenoot is vertrokken zonder de huur te betalen, en nu zit ik met de gebakken peren. — My housemate left without paying the rent, and now I'm left holding the baby.

something that comes too late to be useful

Literally: “mustard after the meal”

Nu de deadline voorbij is, is jouw hulp mosterd na de maaltijd. — Now that the deadline has passed, your help comes too late.

they are getting on very well (again)

Literally: “It is cake and egg.”

Vorige week hadden ze nog ruzie, maar nu is het weer koek en ei tussen die twee. — Last week they were still fighting, but now those two are getting on great again.

very easy ≈ a piece of cake

Literally: “little apple, little egg”

Die toets was appeltje-eitje. — That test was a piece of cake.

to have a complaint to sort out with someone ≈ to have a bone to pick with someone

Literally: “to have a little apple to peel with someone”

Met jou heb ik nog een appeltje te schillen: waarom heb je mijn fiets geleend zonder het te vragen? — I've got a bone to pick with you: why did you borrow my bike without asking?

for very little money ≈ for a song

Literally: “for an apple and an egg”

Ik heb deze stoel op de markt gekocht voor een appel en een ei. — I bought this chair at the market for a song.

money saved for later or for emergencies ≈ a nest egg

Literally: “a little apple for the thirst”

Elke maand zet ik wat geld opzij als appeltje voor de dorst. — Every month I put some money aside as a nest egg.

to sell very quickly ≈ to sell like hot cakes

Literally: “to go over the counter like sweet buns”

De kaartjes voor het concert gingen als zoete broodjes over de toonbank. — The concert tickets sold like hot cakes.

to want absolutely everything, more than is reasonable

Literally: “to want the bottom out of the jug”

Je hebt al een goede deal; je moet niet het onderste uit de kan willen. — You already have a good deal; you shouldn't try to squeeze out every last bit.

to compromise; to lower your demands ≈ to meet someone halfway

Literally: “to add water to the wine”

Beide partijen moesten water bij de wijn doen om tot een akkoord te komen. — Both sides had to compromise to reach an agreement.

to tempt someone with a reward ≈ to dangle a carrot in front of someone

Literally: “to hold a sausage in front of someone”

De baas hield ons een worst voor: een bonus als we het project op tijd afmaken. — The boss dangled a carrot in front of us: a bonus if we finish the project on time.

a story that many people believe but that isn't true ≈ an urban myth

Literally: “a monkey sandwich”

Dat verhaal over krokodillen in het riool is een broodje aap. — That story about crocodiles in the sewer is an urban myth.

to arrive at exactly the right moment; to be lucky

Literally: “to fall with your nose in the butter”

Je valt met je neus in de boter: er is net taart. — You've come at just the right moment: there's cake.

to accept or believe something without question ≈ to swallow something hook, line and sinker

Literally: “to swallow something like sweet cake”

Hij vertelde de grootste onzin, maar iedereen slikte het als zoete koek. — He told the most ridiculous nonsense, but everyone swallowed it hook, line and sinker.

there is something suspicious about it ≈ something's fishy

Literally: “That is not pure coffee.”

Hij wil contant betaald worden en geen bonnetje geven; dat is geen zuivere koffie. — He wants to be paid in cash and won't give a receipt; something's fishy.

to go wrong; to fail

Literally: “to walk into the soup”

Door een misverstand liep de hele planning in de soep. — Because of a misunderstanding, the whole schedule went wrong.

to stand up for yourself and not let others take advantage ≈ to not let anyone walk all over you

Literally: “to not let the cheese be eaten off your bread”

Ze is klein, maar ze laat zich de kaas niet van het brood eten. — She's small, but she doesn't let anyone walk all over her.

to have influence or a say in something ≈ to have a finger in the pie

Literally: “to have a finger in the porridge”

Bij dit bedrijf heeft de oprichter nog steeds een vinger in de pap. — At this company the founder still has a finger in the pie.

payment straight away, on the spot ≈ cash on the nail

Literally: “butter with the fish”

Je kunt de fiets meenemen, maar het is wel boter bij de vis: eerst betalen. — You can take the bike, but it's cash on the nail: pay first.

old ideas presented as if they were new ≈ old wine in new bottles

Literally: “old wine in new bags (wineskins)”

Dat ‘nieuwe’ plan van de gemeente is gewoon oude wijn in nieuwe zakken. — The council's ‘new’ plan is just old wine in new bottles.

to be treated the same (bad) way you treat others ≈ to get a taste of your own medicine

Literally: “to get a cookie of your own dough”

Hij plaagt iedereen, maar vandaag kreeg hij een koekje van eigen deeg. — He teases everyone, but today he got a taste of his own medicine.

to not believe something completely ≈ to take something with a pinch of salt

Literally: “to take something with a little grain of salt”

Wat hij over zijn salaris vertelt, moet je met een korreltje zout nemen. — You should take what he says about his salary with a pinch of salt.

to defeat someone heavily, or to criticise them harshly ≈ to make mincemeat of someone

Literally: “to chop someone into the pan”

Ons team werd gisteren door de koploper in de pan gehakt. — Our team was made mincemeat of by the league leaders yesterday.

to do the difficult or risky work for someone else ≈ to pull someone's chestnuts out of the fire

Literally: “to get the chestnuts out of the fire”

De manager durft het niet te zeggen, dus mag ik weer de kastanjes uit het vuur halen. — The manager doesn't dare to say it, so once again I have to do the dirty work.

something very easy, or a very small amount ≈ child's play

Literally: “a pea pod”

Die toets was een peulenschil voor haar. — That test was child's play for her.

to have (almost) nothing to eat

Literally: “to bite on a little piece of wood”

Aan het eind van de maand bijten veel studenten op een houtje. — At the end of the month a lot of students have next to nothing to eat.

to settle for less to avoid losing even more ≈ to cut your losses

Literally: “to choose eggs for your money”

Hij kreeg geen beter bod, dus koos hij eieren voor zijn geld en verkocht de auto. — He didn't get a better offer, so he cut his losses and sold the car.

the final touch that makes something good even better ≈ the icing on the cake

Literally: “the cherry on the cake”

We wonnen de finale, en dat doelpunt in de laatste minuut was de kers op de taart. — We won the final, and that last-minute goal was the icing on the cake.

to encourage someone

Literally: “to put a heart under someone's belt”

Na de verloren wedstrijd stak de trainer zijn spelers een hart onder de riem. — After the lost match the coach gave his players some encouragement.

to get to work and work hard ≈ to roll up your sleeves

Literally: “to stick your hands out of your sleeves”

Als we vandaag klaar willen zijn, moeten we de handen uit de mouwen steken. — If we want to be finished today, we have to roll up our sleeves.

to find something very easy

Literally: “to not turn your hand over for something”

Ze draait haar hand niet om voor een maaltijd voor twintig mensen. — Cooking a meal for twenty people is no trouble at all for her.

to make something up ≈ to pull something out of thin air

Literally: “to suck something out of your thumb”

Dat cijfer heeft hij uit zijn duim gezogen; er is nooit onderzoek naar gedaan. — He made that figure up; there has never been any research on it.

to eat a huge amount at someone else's expense ≈ to eat someone out of house and home

Literally: “to eat the ears off someone's head”

Sinds mijn zoon zestien is, eet hij ons de oren van het hoofd. — Since my son turned sixteen, he's been eating us out of house and home.

to give in under pressure ≈ to cave in

Literally: “to go through the knees”

Na lang zeuren ging zijn moeder toch door de knieën. — After a lot of nagging his mother gave in after all.

to pretend not to notice something ≈ to turn a blind eye

Literally: “to squeeze a little eye shut”

De leraar kneep een oogje dicht toen ik vijf minuten te laat was. — The teacher turned a blind eye when I was five minutes late.

to keep watch over something ≈ to keep an eye on things

Literally: “to keep a little eye on the sail”

Wil jij een oogje in het zeil houden terwijl ik even boodschappen doe? — Will you keep an eye on things while I nip out to the shops?

to master something ≈ to get the hang of something

Literally: “to get something under the knee”

Na een paar maanden had ik de Nederlandse uitspraak aardig onder de knie. — After a few months I had pretty much got the hang of Dutch pronunciation.

to be easily offended ≈ to be thin-skinned

Literally: “to have long toes”

Pas op wat je zegt, want mijn collega heeft lange tenen. — Be careful what you say, because my colleague is easily offended.

to think very hard about a problem ≈ to rack your brains

Literally: “to break your head over something”

Ik heb er de hele avond mijn hoofd over gebroken, maar ik vind geen oplossing. — I racked my brains over it all evening, but I can't find a solution.

to let a mistake or offence go unpunished ≈ to let something slide

Literally: “to see something through your fingers”

Deze keer zie ik het door de vingers, maar de volgende keer krijg je een boete. — This time I'll let it slide, but next time you'll get a fine.

to charge someone far too much ≈ to rip someone off

Literally: “to twist a leg off someone”

Twaalf euro voor een biertje? Ze draaien je hier echt een poot uit. — Twelve euros for a beer? They really rip you off here.

casually, as if it isn't important ≈ in passing

Literally: “between nose and lips”

Tussen neus en lippen door vertelde ze dat ze ging verhuizen. — She mentioned in passing that she was going to move house.

to deceive someone ≈ to pull the wool over someone's eyes

Literally: “to spin a wheel before someone's eyes”

De verkoper had ons een rad voor ogen gedraaid: de garantie bestond helemaal niet. — The salesman had pulled the wool over our eyes: the warranty didn't even exist.

to have to deal with something unpleasant

Literally: “to get something in front of your molars”

De nieuwe minister kreeg meteen veel kritiek voor zijn kiezen. — The new minister immediately had to face a lot of criticism.

to not know what to say ≈ to be lost for words

Literally: “to stand with your mouth full of teeth”

Toen ze me vroeg waarom ik te laat was, stond ik met mijn mond vol tanden. — When she asked me why I was late, I was lost for words.

you can forget about that; it isn't going to happen ≈ you can kiss that goodbye

Literally: “You can write that on your belly.”

Die vijftig euro die je hem hebt geleend, kun je wel op je buik schrijven. — You can kiss goodbye to that fifty euros you lent him.

to run away ≈ to take to your heels

Literally: “to take the legs”

Toen de politie aankwam, nam de dief de benen. — When the police arrived, the thief took to his heels.

to say openly what you think and feel ≈ to speak your mind

Literally: “to have your heart on your tongue”

Mijn oma heeft het hart op de tong: ze zegt altijd precies wat ze denkt. — My grandmother speaks her mind: she always says exactly what she thinks.

to talk about feelings or frustrations you have been keeping to yourself ≈ to get something off your chest

Literally: “to air your heart”

Na die vervelende vergadering luchtte ze haar hart bij een collega. — After that annoying meeting she got it off her chest with a colleague.

to look down on something as not good enough ≈ to turn your nose up at something

Literally: “to pull up your nose for something”

Hij haalt zijn neus op voor alles wat niet biologisch is. — He turns his nose up at anything that isn't organic.

to put someone under heavy pressure with critical questions ≈ to hold someone's feet to the fire

Literally: “to put the fire close to someone's shins”

De journalist legde de minister het vuur na aan de schenen over de bezuinigingen. — The journalist held the minister's feet to the fire over the spending cuts.

to play a nasty trick on someone

Literally: “to set someone a heel”

Zijn collega heeft hem een hak gezet door zijn idee als het hare te presenteren. — His colleague played a nasty trick on him by presenting his idea as her own.

to get into trouble by getting involved in something risky ≈ to burn your fingers

Literally: “to burn your fingers on something”

Aan die beleggingen heeft hij zijn vingers flink gebrand. — He really burnt his fingers on those investments.

to memorise something ≈ to learn something by heart

Literally: “to learn something out of your head”

Voor de toets moet ik twintig woorden uit mijn hoofd leren. — For the test I have to learn twenty words by heart.

to not know what to do anymore ≈ to be at your wits' end

Literally: “to sit with your hands in your hair”

Na de overstroming zaten veel boeren met de handen in het haar. — After the flood many farmers were at their wits' end.

to be in a bad mood from the moment you get up ≈ to get out of bed on the wrong side

Literally: “to step out of bed with the wrong leg”

Wat ben je chagrijnig! Ben je met het verkeerde been uit bed gestapt? — You're so grumpy! Did you get out of bed on the wrong side?

to accidentally give away a secret ≈ to let the cat out of the bag

Literally: “to talk past your mouth”

Het was een verrassingsfeest, maar mijn broer heeft zijn mond voorbijgepraat. — It was a surprise party, but my brother let the cat out of the bag.

to cheat or con someone ≈ to rip someone off

Literally: “to sew an ear onto someone”

Die garage heeft me een oor aangenaaid: de reparatie was veel te duur. — That garage ripped me off: the repair was far too expensive.

to stay calm under pressure ≈ to keep a cool head

Literally: “to keep the head cool”

In een crisis is het belangrijk om het hoofd koel te houden. — In a crisis it's important to keep a cool head.

to ignore advice or a warning

Literally: “to throw something into the wind”

Hij sloeg alle goede raad in de wind en vertrok zonder kaart. — He ignored all the good advice and set off without a map.

to lose the overview because of too many details ≈ to not see the wood for the trees

Literally: “to no longer see the forest through the trees”

Er zijn zoveel verschillende zorgverzekeringen dat ik door de bomen het bos niet meer zie. — There are so many different health insurance policies that I can't see the wood for the trees.

to be told off sharply ≈ to get a dressing-down

Literally: “to get the wind from the front”

Toen ik voor de derde keer te laat kwam, kreeg ik de wind van voren. — When I was late for the third time, I got a real dressing-down.

(of things) to go well for someone

Literally: “to go before the wind”

Sinds hij zijn eigen bedrijf heeft, gaat het hem voor de wind. — Since he started his own company, things have been going really well for him.

a lot of fuss about something unimportant ≈ a storm in a teacup

Literally: “a storm in a glass of water”

Die hele ophef over het nieuwe logo was een storm in een glas water. — All that fuss about the new logo was a storm in a teacup.

to act on something quickly, without delay ≈ to not let the grass grow under your feet

Literally: “to not let grass grow over something”

Ze kreeg het aanbod op maandag en liet er geen gras over groeien: dinsdag tekende ze al. — She got the offer on Monday and didn't waste any time: by Tuesday she had signed.

to be in a comfortable, fortunate situation ≈ to be sitting pretty

Literally: “to sit on roses”

Met die nieuwe baan en dat mooie huis zit hij helemaal op rozen. — With that new job and that lovely house, he's really sitting pretty.

he is in serious (often financial) trouble ≈ to be up to your neck in it

Literally: “The water is up to his lips.”

Het bedrijf heeft enorme schulden; het water staat ze tot de lippen. — The company has enormous debts; they're in serious trouble.

(of a plan) to be cancelled or not happen ≈ to fall through

Literally: “to fall into the water”

Door de staking viel ons uitje naar Amsterdam in het water. — Because of the strike our trip to Amsterdam fell through.

to become known; (of something lost) to turn up again ≈ to come to light

Literally: “to come above water”

Pas na jaren kwam de waarheid boven water. — Only after years did the truth come to light.

to be completely surprised because you knew nothing about something

Literally: “to fall out of the sky”

Ik val uit de lucht: niemand had me verteld dat de vergadering verzet was. — This is news to me: nobody had told me the meeting had been moved.

to go from a bad situation to a worse one ≈ out of the frying pan into the fire

Literally: “to come from the rain into the drip”

Hij nam een nieuwe baan om van de stress af te zijn, maar kwam van de regen in de drup. — He took a new job to get away from the stress, but went out of the frying pan into the fire.

to disappear quickly and completely

Literally: “to disappear like snow before the sun”

Mijn goede voornemens verdwenen als sneeuw voor de zon. — My good intentions melted away in no time.

a cheerful person who makes everyone around them happy ≈ a ray of sunshine

Literally: “a little sun in the house”

Onze dochter is altijd vrolijk; ze is echt een zonnetje in huis. — Our daughter is always cheerful; she's a real ray of sunshine.

to go out and celebrate exuberantly ≈ to paint the town red

Literally: “to put the little flowers outside”

Na de examens gingen we de bloemetjes buiten zetten. — After the exams we went out to paint the town red.

to be overjoyed ≈ to jump for joy

Literally: “to jump a hole in the sky”

Toen ze hoorde dat ze geslaagd was, sprong ze een gat in de lucht. — When she heard that she had passed, she jumped for joy.

to make people feel relaxed at the start of a meeting or conversation ≈ to break the ice

Literally: “to break the ice”

Met een grapje brak hij het ijs tijdens de eerste vergadering. — He broke the ice with a joke during the first meeting.

to take a risk, especially by talking about something you don't know well ≈ to be on thin ice

Literally: “to venture onto slippery ice”

Met die uitspraken over de economie begeeft de minister zich op glad ijs. — With those comments about the economy the minister is on thin ice.

you can be absolutely sure of it ≈ you can bet on it

Literally: “You can say thunder on that.”

Hij komt weer te laat, daar kun je donder op zeggen. — He'll be late again, you can bet on it.

to appear suddenly in large numbers ≈ to spring up like mushrooms

Literally: “to shoot up out of the ground like mushrooms”

Overal in de stad schieten nieuwe koffiebars als paddenstoelen uit de grond. — New coffee bars are springing up like mushrooms all over the city.

to do everything you possibly can to achieve something ≈ to move heaven and earth

Literally: “to move heaven and earth”

Ze heeft hemel en aarde bewogen om een huurwoning in Utrecht te vinden. — She moved heaven and earth to find a rental flat in Utrecht.

completely unexpectedly (usually of bad news) ≈ like a bolt from the blue

Literally: “like a thunderclap in a clear sky”

Het nieuws van de reorganisatie kwam als een donderslag bij heldere hemel. — The news of the reorganisation came like a bolt from the blue.

it's raining very hard ≈ it's raining cats and dogs

Literally: “It's raining pipe stems.”

Neem een paraplu mee, het regent pijpenstelen. — Take an umbrella, it's raining cats and dogs.

to keep changing your opinion to match whoever you're with

Literally: “to blow along with all winds”

Je weet nooit wat die politicus echt vindt; hij waait met alle winden mee. — You never know what that politician really thinks; he changes his opinion with every breeze.

to reverse a negative trend ≈ to turn the tide

Literally: “to turn the tide”

Met twee doelpunten na rust wist het team het tij te keren. — With two goals after half-time the team managed to turn the tide.

a quiet moment just before trouble or a busy period ≈ the calm before the storm

Literally: “the silence before the storm”

Het is nu nog rustig in de winkel, maar dat is de stilte voor de storm. — It's still quiet in the shop now, but that's the calm before the storm.

far too little to make any difference ≈ a drop in the ocean

Literally: “a drop on a red-hot plate”

Die tien euro extra per maand is een druppel op een gloeiende plaat. — That extra ten euros a month is a drop in the ocean.

to stop something at a very early stage ≈ to nip something in the bud

Literally: “to smother something in the seed”

De politie wist de onrust in de kiem te smoren. — The police managed to nip the unrest in the bud.

to be extremely happy ≈ to be over the moon

Literally: “to be in the clouds”

Ze is in de wolken met haar nieuwe baan. — She's over the moon with her new job.

to be jealous of other people's good fortune

Literally: “to not be able to see the sun shine in the water”

Hij kan de zon niet in het water zien schijnen: als een ander iets wint, is hij meteen jaloers. — He can't stand other people's good luck: if someone else wins something, he's jealous right away.

to just about manage on the money you have ≈ to make ends meet

Literally: “to tie the little ends together”

Met twee kinderen en één inkomen is het moeilijk om de eindjes aan elkaar te knopen. — With two children and one income it's hard to make ends meet.

to be careful with money ≈ to watch the pennies

Literally: “to pay attention to the little ones”

Deze maand moeten we op de kleintjes letten. — This month we have to watch the pennies.

to spend money too easily ≈ money burns a hole in your pocket

Literally: “to have a hole in your hand”

Mijn broer heeft een gat in zijn hand: zijn salaris is altijd binnen een week op. — Money burns a hole in my brother's pocket: his salary is always gone within a week.

I can't afford to pay for everything ≈ money doesn't grow on trees

Literally: “The money doesn't grow on my back.”

Nee, je krijgt geen nieuwe telefoon; het geld groeit me niet op de rug! — No, you're not getting a new phone; money doesn't grow on trees!

to work without declaring the income for tax ≈ to work cash in hand

Literally: “to work black”

De schilder wilde alleen zwart werken, dus zonder factuur. — The painter only wanted to work cash in hand, so without an invoice.

to postpone something for a long or indefinite time ≈ to put something on the back burner

Literally: “to push something onto the long track”

Het plan voor een nieuw kantoor is op de lange baan geschoven. — The plan for a new office has been put on the back burner.

to do as little work as possible

Literally: “to walk the little edges off”

Sinds hij ontslag heeft genomen, loopt hij de kantjes eraf. — Since he handed in his notice, he's been doing the bare minimum.

to do something quickly and carelessly

Literally: “to do something with the French stroke”

Hij heeft zijn huiswerk met de Franse slag gedaan. — He rushed through his homework without any care.

to be very busy with something ≈ to have your hands full

Literally: “to have your hands full with something”

Met drie kleine kinderen heeft ze de handen vol. — With three small children she has her hands full.

to be very expensive ≈ to cost an arm and a leg

Literally: “to cost a rib out of your body”

Die vakantie heeft ons een rib uit ons lijf gekost. — That holiday cost us an arm and a leg.

to adjust your spending to your income ≈ to cut your coat according to your cloth

Literally: “to set your spending according to your trade”

Nu ik minder verdien, moet ik de tering naar de nering zetten. — Now that I earn less, I have to cut my coat according to my cloth.

to have no money at all ≈ to not have a penny to your name

Literally: “to not have a cent to spare”

Als student had ik geen cent te makken. — As a student I didn't have a penny to my name.

to have run out of money ≈ to be broke

Literally: “to sit on black seed”

Het is pas de twintigste en ik zit nu al op zwart zaad. — It's only the twentieth and I'm already broke.

to spend more than you can afford ≈ to live beyond your means

Literally: “to live above your station”

Met die dure auto's en vakanties leven ze ver boven hun stand. — With those expensive cars and holidays they're living way beyond their means.

to be the one in control ≈ to call the shots

Literally: “to have the little strings in your hands”

Officieel is hij de directeur, maar zijn vrouw heeft de touwtjes in handen. — Officially he's the director, but his wife calls the shots.

to discuss something together to find a solution ≈ to put your heads together

Literally: “to put the heads together”

Laten we morgen de koppen bij elkaar steken om een oplossing te vinden. — Let's put our heads together tomorrow to find a solution.

to have high standards or expectations ≈ to set the bar high

Literally: “to put the bar high”

Onze nieuwe manager legt de lat erg hoog. — Our new manager sets the bar very high.

to change course completely ≈ to change tack

Literally: “to throw the rudder around”

Na tien jaar bij de bank gooide ze het roer om en werd ze kok. — After ten years at the bank she changed tack completely and became a chef.

to go very smoothly ≈ to go like clockwork

Literally: “to run on little rollers”

De verhuizing liep op rolletjes. — The move went like clockwork.

to spend money very freely and carelessly ≈ to spend money like water

Literally: “to spend money like water”

Sinds hij die erfenis heeft gekregen, geeft hij geld uit als water. — Since he got that inheritance, he's been spending money like water.

everyone has to help, because there is a lot of urgent work ≈ all hands on deck

Literally: “all hands on deck”

De deadline is morgen, dus het is alle hens aan dek. — The deadline is tomorrow, so it's all hands on deck.

it doesn't pay much; there isn't much money

Literally: “It is no fat pot.”

Ik vind mijn werk in de zorg heel leuk, maar het is geen vetpot. — I really enjoy my job in care, but it doesn't pay much.

to earn very little

Literally: “to not earn the salt in the porridge”

Met dat bijbaantje verdien ik nog niet het zout in de pap. — With that side job I barely earn anything.

to (finally) pay up or hand something over ≈ to cough up

Literally: “to come over the bridge”

Na drie herinneringen kwam hij eindelijk over de brug. — After three reminders he finally coughed up.

to make a loss ≈ to be in the red

Literally: “to write red figures”

Het bedrijf schrijft al drie jaar rode cijfers. — The company has been in the red for three years.

to waste money ≈ to throw money down the drain

Literally: “to throw money over the beam”

Hij gooit zijn geld over de balk aan dure kleren die hij nooit draagt. — He throws his money down the drain on expensive clothes he never wears.

to earn a living ≈ to earn a crust

Literally: “to earn the food”

Hij verdient de kost als taxichauffeur. — He earns a living as a taxi driver.

a large payment given to someone when they leave a job ≈ a golden handshake

Literally: “a golden handshake”

De directeur vertrok met een gouden handdruk van een miljoen euro. — The director left with a golden handshake of a million euros.

to do something carelessly, with very little effort

Literally: “to throw your cap at it”

Dit verslag is slordig; je hebt er met de pet naar gegooid. — This report is sloppy; you didn't put any effort into it.

to set something up; to organise something from scratch ≈ to get something off the ground

Literally: “to put something on legs”

Ze heeft in een jaar tijd een heel bedrijf op poten gezet. — In a single year she got a whole company off the ground.

to tease or fool someone ≈ to pull someone's leg

Literally: “to take someone into the grinding”

Je neemt me in de maling! Heb je echt de loterij gewonnen? — You're pulling my leg! Did you really win the lottery?

to play a dirty trick on someone

Literally: “to turn someone a trick”

Zijn zakenpartner heeft hem een loer gedraaid en is er met het geld vandoor gegaan. — His business partner played a dirty trick on him and ran off with the money.

to keep someone waiting with vague promises ≈ to string someone along

Literally: “to keep someone on the little line”

Het bedrijf houdt me al maanden aan het lijntje met dat contract. — The company has been stringing me along about that contract for months.

to really dislike something

Literally: “to have a little brother dead from something”

Ik heb een broertje dood aan vergaderingen die te lang duren. — I can't stand meetings that go on too long.

to tell someone off ≈ to read someone the riot act

Literally: “to read someone the lesson”

Mijn vader las me de les omdat ik zo laat thuiskwam. — My father read me the riot act because I came home so late.

to force someone to make a decision ≈ to force someone's hand

Literally: “to put someone in front of the block”

Ze zette hem voor het blok: of hij stopte met roken, of ze ging weg. — She gave him an ultimatum: either he stopped smoking or she would leave.

to abandon someone or let someone down ≈ to leave someone in the lurch

Literally: “to leave someone in the stab”

Mijn beste vriend liet me in de steek toen ik hem het hardst nodig had. — My best friend let me down when I needed him most.

to say only what someone wants to hear

Literally: “to talk to someone's mouth”

Die politicus praat iedereen naar de mond. — That politician just tells everyone what they want to hear.

to make fun of someone ≈ to poke fun at someone

Literally: “to stab the dragon with someone”

In dat programma steken ze de draak met bekende politici. — In that show they poke fun at well-known politicians.

to adore and admire someone ≈ to put someone on a pedestal

Literally: “to carry someone on hands”

De fans dragen de zanger op handen. — The fans adore the singer.

to make someone believe something that isn't true

Literally: “to pin something on someone's sleeve”

Laat je niets op de mouw spelden: die aanbieding is te mooi om waar te zijn. — Don't let anyone fool you: that offer is too good to be true.

to get rid of someone with a vague answer or empty promise ≈ to fob someone off

Literally: “to send someone into the reeds with a lump of earth”

Ik belde de klantenservice, maar ze stuurden me met een kluitje in het riet. — I called customer service, but they fobbed me off.

to get on well with each other

Literally: “to be able to go well through one door”

Mijn moeder en mijn vriendin kunnen goed door één deur. — My mother and my girlfriend get on really well.

privately, with just the two of you ≈ in private

Literally: “under four eyes”

Kan ik je even onder vier ogen spreken? — Can I have a word with you in private?

to be in a quarrel with someone ≈ to be at loggerheads with someone

Literally: “to have it on the stick with someone”

Hij heeft het weer met de buren aan de stok over de schutting. — He's at loggerheads with the neighbours again about the fence.

to weaken someone's argument or position by acting first ≈ to take the wind out of someone's sails

Literally: “to take the wind out of someone's sails”

Door meteen zijn fout toe te geven, nam hij zijn critici de wind uit de zeilen. — By admitting his mistake straight away, he took the wind out of his critics' sails.

to be liked or approved of by someone ≈ to be in someone's good books

Literally: “to be on a good little page with someone”

Sinds ik haar heb geholpen met verhuizen, sta ik bij haar in een goed blaadje. — Since I helped her move house, I've been in her good books.

to sort out your own affairs without help ≈ to fend for yourself

Literally: “to shell your own beans”

Ik hoef geen hulp, ik dop mijn eigen boontjes wel. — I don't need help, I'll sort it out myself.

to blame someone else ≈ to pin the blame on someone

Literally: “to push the blame into someone's shoes”

Hij probeerde de schuld in de schoenen van zijn collega te schuiven. — He tried to pin the blame on his colleague.

to leave someone without the help or support they were counting on ≈ to leave someone out in the cold

Literally: “to leave someone standing in the cold”

Toen het bedrijf failliet ging, liet de bank de ondernemers in de kou staan. — When the company went bankrupt, the bank left the entrepreneurs out in the cold.

to make a good impression

Literally: “to make a good turn”

Met haar presentatie maakte ze een goede beurt bij de directie. — She made a good impression on the management with her presentation.

to deceive someone ≈ to lead someone up the garden path

Literally: “to lead someone around the garden”

Hij heeft zijn ouders maandenlang om de tuin geleid. — He deceived his parents for months.

to fool or trick someone ≈ to pull someone's leg

Literally: “to hold someone for the fool”

Je houdt me voor de gek! Heb je echt de loterij gewonnen? — You're pulling my leg! Did you really win the lottery?

to defend someone ≈ to stand up for someone

Literally: “to take it up for someone”

Toen iedereen hem uitlachte, nam zijn zus het voor hem op. — When everyone laughed at him, his sister stood up for him.

to suddenly abandon someone ≈ to drop someone like a hot potato

Literally: “to drop someone like a brick”

Toen hij zijn geld kwijt was, lieten zijn vrienden hem vallen als een baksteen. — When he lost his money, his friends dropped him like a hot potato.

to be bossed around by your partner ≈ to be henpecked

Literally: “to sit under the ferule”

Hij mag nooit mee naar de kroeg; hij zit flink onder de plak. — He's never allowed to come to the pub; he's completely henpecked.

to ask someone endless questions

Literally: “to ask the shirt off someone's body”

Mijn neefje van vijf vroeg me het hemd van het lijf over mijn werk. — My five-year-old nephew asked me endless questions about my job.

to make someone look foolish, often in public

Literally: “to put someone in his shirt”

De journalist zette de minister tijdens het interview flink in zijn hemd. — The journalist made the minister look really foolish during the interview.

to blame someone for something; to hold it against them ≈ to hold something against someone

Literally: “to take something badly from someone”

Ik neem het je niet kwalijk dat je boos bent. — I don't blame you for being angry.

it doesn't matter; I don't mind

Literally: “It makes not out.”

Wil je thee of koffie? – Het maakt niet uit. — Would you like tea or coffee? – I don't mind.

that's something quite different (usually harder or more serious) ≈ that's a different kettle of fish

Literally: “That is other cake.”

Een beetje Nederlands spreken lukt wel, maar een sollicitatiegesprek in het Nederlands is andere koek. — Speaking a bit of Dutch is fine, but a job interview in Dutch is a different kettle of fish.

said when you start something new or a bit scary ≈ here goes!

Literally: “There goes it!”

Ik heb nog nooit een presentatie in het Nederlands gegeven. Nou, daar gaat ie! — I've never given a presentation in Dutch before. Well, here goes!

well done, keep it up (also used sarcastically when someone messes up) ≈ nice going!

Literally: “Nicely busy!”

Je hebt vandaag al drie lessen gedaan? Lekker bezig! — You've already done three lessons today? Nice going!

that's just how it is; we have to accept it ≈ it is what it is

Literally: “It is not different.”

De trein is uitgevallen, dus we komen te laat. Het is niet anders. — The train has been cancelled, so we'll be late. It is what it is.

to come straight to the point without any introduction ≈ to cut to the chase

Literally: “to fall into the house with the door”

Ik val maar meteen met de deur in huis: we moeten bezuinigen. — I'll get straight to the point: we have to cut costs.

that's not my responsibility ≈ that's not my department

Literally: “That is not my 'here, take it'.”

Klachten over de verwarming? Dat is niet mijn pakkie-an; daarvoor moet je bij de huisbaas zijn. — Complaints about the heating? That's not my department; you need to talk to the landlord.

that's fine; that's sorted

Literally: “That sits moustache.”

Heb je de kaartjes al? – Ja hoor, dat zit wel snor. — Have you got the tickets yet? – Yes, that's all sorted.

it'll be fine; I'll take care of it ≈ will do!

Literally: “Comes good!”

Kun je morgen de sleutel meenemen? – Komt goed! — Can you bring the key tomorrow? – Will do!

what a pity; what a waste ≈ what a shame!

Literally: “What sin!”

Gooi je dat brood weg? Wat zonde! — Are you throwing that bread away? What a waste!

absolutely not ≈ out of the question!

Literally: “No talk of it!”

Mag ik je auto lenen? – Geen sprake van! — Can I borrow your car? – No way!

it's getting completely out of hand

Literally: “It runs out of the scuppers.”

De huurprijzen in Amsterdam lopen de spuigaten uit. — Rents in Amsterdam are getting completely out of hand.

it was a very close call ≈ a close shave

Literally: “It was edge of the deck.”

We haalden de trein nog net; het was kantje boord. — We only just caught the train; it was a close shave.

only just in time ≈ in the nick of time

Literally: “at the very last little moment”

Ik heb mijn scriptie op het nippertje ingeleverd. — I handed in my thesis in the nick of time.

to stop something from happening (again) ≈ to put a stop to something

Literally: “to put a little stick in front of something”

De gemeente heeft een stokje gestoken voor het illegale feest. — The council put a stop to the illegal party.

I'm fed up with it ≈ I've had it

Literally: “I am finished with it.”

Al die regen, elke dag weer: ik ben er klaar mee! — All this rain, every single day: I've had it!

that makes no sense

Literally: “That hits on nothing.”

Waarom zou ik betalen voor iets wat ik niet heb besteld? Dat slaat nergens op. — Why should I pay for something I didn't order? That makes no sense.

I'm looking forward to it; I feel like it

Literally: “I have desire in it.”

Morgen gaan we naar het strand. Ik heb er zin in! — We're going to the beach tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it!

that's one thing (and acceptable), but…

Literally: “That is up to there.”

Dat je te laat bent, is tot daar aan toe, maar je had wel even kunnen bellen. — Being late is one thing, but you could at least have called.

nothing's wrong; everything is fine

Literally: “There is nothing at the hand.”

Schrik niet, er is niks aan de hand; ik ben alleen even gevallen. — Don't be alarmed, nothing's wrong; I just had a little fall.

to explain something in detail ≈ to spell something out

Literally: “to take something out of the cloths”

De docent deed haarfijn uit de doeken hoe het examen in elkaar zit. — The teacher explained in great detail how the exam works.

what was suggested was done straight away ≈ no sooner said than done

Literally: “So said, so done.”

We wilden naar het strand. Zo gezegd, zo gedaan: een uur later lagen we in het zand. — We wanted to go to the beach. No sooner said than done: an hour later we were lying on the sand.

the thing that was difficult to say has finally been said

Literally: “The high word is out.”

Ik ga verhuizen naar Australië. Zo, het hoge woord is eruit! — I'm moving to Australia. There, I've said it!

to get out of control ≈ to get out of hand

Literally: “to walk out of the hand”

Het feestje liep volledig uit de hand. — The party got completely out of hand.

that's very easy ≈ that's a piece of cake

Literally: “That is an easy one.”

Kun je dit repareren? – Ja hoor, dat is een makkie. — Can you fix this? – Sure, that's a piece of cake.

that's enough; time to stop

Literally: “It has been nice.”

Kom op, jongens, het is mooi geweest: we gaan naar huis. — Come on, guys, that's enough: we're going home.

I don't recognise it; I've never heard of it ≈ that doesn't ring a bell

Literally: “That says nothing to me.”

Ken je Jan de Vries? – Nee, die naam zegt me niks. — Do you know Jan de Vries? – No, that name doesn't ring a bell.

to not feel like doing something, or to not feel confident about it

Literally: “to not see it sitting”

Ik zie het niet zitten om in de regen naar huis te fietsen. — I really don't fancy cycling home in the rain.

I completely agree ≈ you can say that again

Literally: “Say that indeed!”

Wat een hitte vandaag! – Zeg dat wel! — It's so hot today! – You can say that again!

it's better or easier than expected

Literally: “It falls with (you).”

Was het examen moeilijk? – Nee hoor, het viel mee. — Was the exam difficult? – No, it wasn't as bad as I expected.

it won't hurt; it's not a bad idea ≈ there's no harm in it

Literally: “That can do no harm.”

Een extra trui meenemen kan geen kwaad. — There's no harm in bringing an extra jumper.

if you don't value small things (like small amounts of money), you don't deserve bigger ones ≈ look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves

Literally: “Who does not honour the small is not worthy of the big.”

Raap die munt maar op: wie het kleine niet eert, is het grote niet weerd. — Go on, pick up that coin: look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.

don't try to stand out; being ordinary is quite enough

Literally: “Just act normal, then you're already acting crazy enough.”

Een limousine huren voor je verjaardag? Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg. — Hiring a limousine for your birthday? Just act normal, that's crazy enough already.

people don't change their bad habits ≈ a leopard can't change its spots

Literally: “The fox loses its hairs, but not its tricks.”

Hij beloofde dat hij niet meer zou liegen. Tja, de vos verliest wel zijn haren, maar niet zijn streken. — He promised he wouldn't lie any more. Well, a leopard can't change its spots.

only a fool makes the same mistake twice

Literally: “A donkey generally doesn't bump into the same stone twice.”

Ik leen hem nooit meer geld. Een ezel stoot zich in het gemeen geen twee keer aan dezelfde steen. — I'm never lending him money again. Only a fool makes the same mistake twice.

without supervision, people do what they like ≈ when the cat's away, the mice will play

Literally: “When the cat is away from home, the mice dance on the table.”

Zodra de baas op vakantie was, ging iedereen om drie uur naar huis. Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel. — As soon as the boss was on holiday, everyone went home at three. When the cat's away, the mice will play.

a lot of talk but few results ≈ all talk and no action

Literally: “Much shouting, little wool.”

De partij beloofde grote veranderingen, maar het was veel geschreeuw, weinig wol. — The party promised big changes, but it was all talk and no action.

children are like their parents ≈ the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

Literally: “The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

Zijn vader was ook al zo'n goede voetballer; de appel valt niet ver van de boom. — His father was a great footballer too; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

things usually turn out less bad than they first seem

Literally: “The soup isn't eaten as hot as it is served.”

Maak je niet zo druk over die nieuwe regels; de soep wordt niet zo heet gegeten als ze wordt opgediend. — Don't worry so much about those new rules; things are never as bad as they first seem.

quiet people often have more going on inside than you think ≈ still waters run deep

Literally: “Still waters have deep bottoms.”

Ik wist niet dat zij romans schrijft. Stille wateren hebben diepe gronden! — I didn't know she writes novels. Still waters run deep!

bad times are always followed by good times

Literally: “After rain comes sunshine.”

Het is nu een moeilijke periode, maar na regen komt zonneschijn. — It's a difficult time right now, but things will get better.

everyone has their own taste ≈ there's no accounting for taste

Literally: “About taste there is no arguing.”

Jij vindt die trui lelijk, ik vind hem prachtig. Over smaak valt niet te twisten. — You think that jumper is ugly, I think it's beautiful. There's no accounting for taste.

something you already have is worth more than something you might get ≈ a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

Literally: “Better one bird in the hand than ten in the air.”

Neem die baan maar aan; beter één vogel in de hand dan tien in de lucht. — Just take that job; a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

once you've started something, you have to see it through ≈ in for a penny, in for a pound

Literally: “Who says A must also say B.”

Je hebt je al ingeschreven voor de marathon, dus nu moet je ook trainen. Wie A zegt, moet ook B zeggen. — You've already signed up for the marathon, so now you have to train too. In for a penny, in for a pound.

your own home is the best place to be ≈ there's no place like home

Literally: “East, west, home is best.”

Het was een prachtige reis, maar oost west, thuis best. — It was a wonderful trip, but there's no place like home.

if you rush, you make mistakes ≈ more haste, less speed

Literally: “Hasty speed is seldom good.”

Lees de vragen rustig door; haastige spoed is zelden goed. — Read the questions carefully; more haste, less speed.

you have to take risks to achieve something ≈ nothing ventured, nothing gained

Literally: “Who doesn't dare, doesn't win.”

Vraag haar gewoon mee uit. Wie niet waagt, die niet wint! — Just ask her out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

it pays to keep things, because they may come in handy later ≈ waste not, want not

Literally: “Who keeps something, has something.”

Ik gooi die oude kabels niet weg; wie wat bewaart, die heeft wat. — I'm not throwing those old cables away; waste not, want not.

if you practise a lot, you get good at something ≈ practice makes perfect

Literally: “Practice gives birth to art.”

Blijf elke dag een beetje Nederlands spreken; oefening baart kunst. — Keep speaking a little Dutch every day; practice makes perfect.

the last in a series of problems, which finally makes you lose your patience ≈ the straw that broke the camel's back

Literally: “That is the drop that makes the bucket overflow.”

Hij was al vaak te laat, maar dat hij vandaag helemaal niet kwam, was de druppel die de emmer deed overlopen. — He was often late, but not turning up at all today was the straw that broke the camel's back.

being honest pays off in the end ≈ honesty is the best policy

Literally: “Honest lasts the longest.”

Vertel je baas maar wat er echt is gebeurd; eerlijk duurt het langst. — Just tell your boss what really happened; honesty is the best policy.

the person who pays has the right to decide ≈ he who pays the piper calls the tune

Literally: “Who pays, decides.”

Mijn ouders betalen de bruiloft, dus zij kiezen de locatie. Wie betaalt, bepaalt. — My parents are paying for the wedding, so they choose the venue. He who pays the piper calls the tune.

lies are always found out in the end ≈ truth will out

Literally: “However fast the lie may be, the truth will catch up with it.”

Hij dacht dat niemand het zou merken, maar al is de leugen nog zo snel, de waarheid achterhaalt haar wel. — He thought nobody would notice, but truth will out.

every family or person has their own troubles, even if you can't see them ≈ everyone has their cross to bear

Literally: “Every little house has its little cross.”

Ze lijken het perfecte gezin, maar ieder huisje heeft zijn kruisje. — They seem like the perfect family, but everyone has their cross to bear.

if you start early in the day, you get a lot done ≈ the early bird catches the worm

Literally: “The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”

Ik sta elke dag om zes uur op om te studeren. De morgenstond heeft goud in de mond! — I get up at six every day to study. The early bird catches the worm!

if you start well, the rest is much easier ≈ well begun is half done

Literally: “A good start is half the work.”

Je hebt al een planning gemaakt? Mooi, een goed begin is het halve werk. — You've already made a schedule? Great, well begun is half done.

don't criticise something you got as a gift ≈ don't look a gift horse in the mouth

Literally: “You shouldn't look a given horse in the mouth.”

De fiets is oud, maar een gegeven paard moet je niet in de bek kijken. — The bike is old, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

you have to accept the consequences of your own actions ≈ you've made your bed, now you must lie in it

Literally: “Whoever burns his buttocks has to sit on the blisters.”

Je hebt de hele nacht gefeest en nu ben je moe? Wie zijn billen brandt, moet op de blaren zitten. — You partied all night and now you're tired? You've made your bed, now you must lie in it.

it's better to do something late than not at all ≈ better late than never

Literally: “Better late than never.”

Hij heeft eindelijk zijn rijbewijs gehaald, op zijn vijftigste. Beter laat dan nooit! — He finally got his driving licence, at fifty. Better late than never!

don't celebrate too early; the final outcome is what counts ≈ he who laughs last laughs longest

Literally: “Whoever laughs last, laughs best.”

Ze lachten hem uit om zijn plan, maar wie het laatst lacht, lacht het best. — They laughed at his plan, but he who laughs last laughs longest.

starting something new is always hard

Literally: “All beginning is difficult.”

Je eerste weken Nederlands zijn zwaar, maar alle begin is moeilijk. — Your first weeks of Dutch are tough, but every start is hard.

what someone doesn't know about can't upset them ≈ what you don't know can't hurt you

Literally: “What doesn't know, doesn't hurt.”

Moeten we haar vertellen dat de vaas gebroken is? Ach, wat niet weet, wat niet deert. — Should we tell her the vase is broken? Oh well, what she doesn't know can't hurt her.

talking about your problems with someone makes them easier to bear ≈ a problem shared is a problem halved

Literally: “Shared sorrow is half sorrow.”

Praat er eens over met een vriend: gedeelde smart is halve smart. — Talk about it with a friend: a problem shared is a problem halved.

it's better to stop a mistake halfway than to carry on to the end

Literally: “Better turned back halfway than wholly gone astray.”

We stoppen met dit project; beter ten halve gekeerd dan ten hele gedwaald. — We're stopping this project; better to turn back now than to go all the way down the wrong road.