die Hände in den Schoß legen
Meaning: To be idle or inactive; to do nothing while waiting or while problems accumulate.
Language: German
Literally: to lay the hands in the lap
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The image is of someone sitting passively with hands resting in the lap, the opposite of hands busy at work.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- etwas auf seine Kappe nehmen — To accept blame or responsibility for something.
- tenere a freno la lingua — to refrain from speaking; to keep silent.
- a gambe levate — With great speed or haste, moving rapidly or impetuously.
- con il piede sbagliato — To start something badly or get off to a poor beginning.
- togliere il fiato — To leave someone astonished or breathless with amazement.
- a bocca asciutta — Hungry and wanting food, or disappointed and empty-handed.
More German idioms
- vom Hundertsten ins Tausendste kommen — To jump chaotically from one topic or thought to another without finishing any of them.
- jemanden zur Schnecke machen — To scold or rebuke someone harshly; to give someone a severe dressing-down.
- auf den Leim gehen — To be deceived or tricked; to fall for a trap or deception.
- Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof — I don't understand anything at all.
- Da steppt der Bär — It's going to be a great party.
- Tomaten auf den Augen haben — To be oblivious to what's right in front of you.
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