IdiomDaily Life
Dutch
Dutchin de wieg gelegd zijn
Meaning: To have a natural talent or aptitude for something from birth.
Literally: To be laid in the cradle
Example: “Zij is niet in de wieg gelegd voor een kantoorbaan.” — She isn't cut out for an office job.
English equivalent: To be cut out for something
Equivalents in other languages
English: be cut out for something
Origin: Being laid in the cradle for something is being destined for it from birth, as if the gift had been placed in the cradle with the baby. Stoett quotes it from Harrebomée's 19th-century dictionary and from Louis Couperus's novel Eline Vere (1889): Otto is voor minister of gouverneur-generaal in de wieg gelegd. No particular story lies behind it.
More Dutch idioms
- 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…
- de nek omdraaien To kill or destroy someone or something, or to bring an end to a project or endeavor.
- weten waar Abraham de mosterd haalt To be well-informed or knowledgeable about how things really work.
- niet op zijn mond gevallen zijn To be outspoken and forthright; to speak one's mind without hesitation.
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- Doe wel en zie niet om Do what is right and don't worry about the consequences.
- Langzaam aan, dan breekt de lijn niet Steady, careful progress avoids breaking things.
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