hoe de vork in de steel zit

Meaning: to understand the real situation or hidden mechanics of something.

Language: Dutch

Literally: how the fork sits in the handle

Category: Daily Life

Origin: Origin uncertain; the phrase pictures examining a utensil to grasp how its parts fit and function together.

More idioms — Daily Life

over de brug komen — to hand over money or pay what is owed.
met de Franse slag — to do something in a careless, sloppy, or half-finished manner.
van de oude stempel — old-fashioned or adhering to outdated styles and ways of thinking.
hout snijden — to be convincing or logically sound; to hold up under scrutiny.
de teerling is geworpen — an irrevocable decision has been made; the course of action is now set in motion.
een loopje nemen — to deceive or trick someone.

in het water vallen — for a plan or undertaking to fail or fall through.
uit de voeten maken — to flee or scram hastily.
er met een jantje-van-leiden van afmaken — to perform a task carelessly, half-heartedly, or in a slipshod manner.
met de nek aankijken — to regard someone with scorn or disdain; to look down on.
bij de duivel te biecht gaan — to seek counsel or confide in someone who is untrustworthy, dangerous, or morally corrupt.
water bij de wijn doen — to compromise or make a concession in a dispute or negotiation.

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