IdiomDaily Life
Dutch
Dutchde teerling is geworpen
Meaning: an irrevocable decision has been made; the course of action is now set in motion.
Literally: The die is thrown
Example: “Het contract is getekend; de teerling is geworpen.” — The contract is signed; the die is cast.
English equivalent: The die is cast
Equivalents in other languages
French: Alea jacta est Literally: The die is cast
English: the die is cast
Origin: A classical expression derived from Julius Caesar's reported words alea iacta est when crossing the Rubicon; once a die is cast, the outcome cannot be changed.
More Dutch idioms
- alleen de rozijnen uitpikken to select only the best or most desirable items while ignoring the rest.
- roet in het eten gooien to spoil or ruin a plan, event, or situation by introducing an unwelcome disruption.
- voor dovemansoren Said or done in vain; unheeded by those it is meant for.
- knollen voor citroenen verkopen To swindle or defraud someone by passing off something worthless as valuable.
- ergens brood in zien To view something as a viable or profitable business opportunity.
- iets in je oren knopen To make someone pay close attention to what you are saying, implying they should remember…
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- De kat krabt de krullen van de trap. A 'kr' cluster drill — Dutch consonant pileups that beginners approach with dread.
- Als vliegen achter vliegen vliegen, vliegen vliegen vliegen achterna. The same noun/verb homograph trap as the German version — vliegen does triple duty.
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