de nek omdraaien
Meaning: To kill or destroy someone or something, or to bring an end to a project or endeavor.
Language: Dutch
Literally: to turn the neck around
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures the violent twisting motion that would break an animal's or person's neck, evoking quick, decisive destruction.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- niet op zijn mond gevallen zijn — To be outspoken and forthright; to speak one's mind without hesitation.
- tussen neus en lippen door — To say something in passing or casually, without emphasis or drawing attention to it.
- op eigen benen staan — To be independent and self-sufficient; to support oneself without relying on others.
- voet bij stuk houden — To stand firm and refuse to give in to pressure or threats.
- uit de hand lopen — to become uncontrolled or chaotic.
- tussen de oren — in one's mind or thoughts.
More Dutch idioms
- weten waar Abraham de mosterd haalt — To be well-informed or knowledgeable about how things really work.
- schoon schip maken — To make a thorough reform of an organization by removing bad practices or undesirable peo…
- om zeep helpen — To kill or eliminate someone.
- gaten schieten in — To criticize someone or something harshly by pointing out flaws or contradictions.
- blijven zitten — To be held back a grade in school; to fail to advance to the next level of study.
- een tandje bijsteken — To intensify one's effort or increase the pace of activity; to move up a gear.
From our proverbs
- Let every pedlar carry his own pack. — Everyone should bear responsibility for their own burdens rather than expecting others to…
- Pen and ink are a wit's plough. — Writing tools transform intellectual potential into tangible ideas, making thought produc…
- That penny is well spent that saves a groat. — Small prudent expenses preventing larger losses represent wise financial stewardship.