IdiomDaily Life
German
Germanaus dem Off
Meaning: From off-screen or offstage; said of a voice heard without the speaker being seen, or of someone acting from the background.
Literally: From the off
Example: “Die Entscheidung fiel aus dem Off, ohne Pressekonferenz.” — The decision was taken behind the scenes, with no press conference.
English equivalent: Behind the scenes
Equivalents in other languages
English: behind the scenes
Origin: From theater, film and television, borrowed from English "off" as in offstage or off-screen: a voice aus dem Off is heard while the speaker is not seen, like a narrator's voice-over. By extension the phrase is used of anyone who speaks or acts from the background without appearing in person.
More German idioms
- den Geist aufgeben to die, or to cease functioning.
- um ein Haar by the narrowest possible margin; almost not.
- zu Grabe tragen to bury or permanently give up on something such as a hope, plan, or wish.
- aus dem Handgelenk done with ease and without much effort or advance preparation; offhand.
- Staub aufwirbeln To cause trouble or create a dramatic disturbance.
- ein Esel schimpft den andern Langohr A person criticizes another for the same fault they themselves possess.
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