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alleen de rozijnen uitpikken

Meaning: to select only the best or most desirable items while ignoring the rest.

Language: Dutch

Literally: to pick only the raisins

Category: Food & Drink

Origin: The image is of someone sifting through a mixture and taking only the most valued pieces, leaving behind everything else.

More idioms — Food & Drink

  • roet in het eten gooien — to spoil or ruin a plan, event, or situation by introducing an unwelcome disruption.
  • knollen voor citroenen verkopen — To swindle or defraud someone by passing off something worthless as valuable.
  • brood zien in — To view something as a viable or profitable business opportunity.
  • weten waar Abraham de mosterd haalt — To be well-informed or knowledgeable about how things really work.
  • niet veel soeps — Unimpressive or mediocre; not worth much.
  • bittere pil — something unpleasant or difficult that one must accept.

More Dutch idioms

  • een loopje nemen — to deceive or trick someone.
  • bij de les blijven — to remain focused and attentive; to keep one's composure.
  • voor dovemansoren — Said or done in vain; unheeded by those it is meant for.
  • in de wieg gelegd zijn — To have a natural talent or aptitude for something from birth.
  • in zijn oren knopen — To make someone pay close attention to what you are saying, implying they should remember…
  • een lans breken — To take up someone's cause or defend a position publicly.

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