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.
- van de oude stempel — old-fashioned or adhering to outdated styles and ways of thinking.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.
- bij de les blijven — to remain focused and attentive; to keep one's composure.
More Dutch idioms
- 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.