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Da liegt der Hund begraben

Meaning: That's the crux of the matter.

Language: German

Literally: That's where the dog is buried

Category: Animals

Origin: German expression, possibly from treasure-guarding ghost dogs in folklore.

More idioms — Animals

  • 猫の手も借りたい — I'm so busy I'll take help from anyone.
  • 猿も木から落ちる — Even experts make mistakes.
  • 猫をかぶる — To hide one's true nature; to act innocent.
  • 馬の耳に念仏 — Wasted advice on someone who won't listen.
  • 雀の涙 — A pitifully small amount.
  • 対牛弾琴 — Wasting effort on an unappreciative audience.

More German idioms

  • Die Daumen drücken — To wish someone good luck (like crossing fingers).
  • Seinen Senf dazugeben — To give an unsolicited opinion.
  • Klar wie Kloßbrühe — Completely obvious.
  • jemandem einen Bären aufbinden — To tell someone a deliberate lie or deceptive story for amusement or manipulation.
  • in den sauren Apfel beißen — To accept an unpleasant necessity or disagreeable situation with resignation and stoicism.
  • mit jemandem Katz und Maus spielen — To tease or toy with someone's emotions, alternating between kind and cruel treatment for…

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