kein unbeschriebenes Blatt sein
Meaning: To be a person whose background, reputation, or history is already known.
Language: German
Literally: to be no blank page
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The image of a blank page stands for an unknown quantity; someone who is not blank has a written record or identity already established.
More idioms — Daily Life
- per amore o per forza — by any means necessary; whether one wishes it or not.
- tirare l'acqua al proprio mulino — to act in self-interest, redirecting resources or advantage to oneself.
- in pompa magna — with ceremony, grandeur, and great fanfare.
- alle calende greche — never; at an impossible or non-existent time.
- mi sa — I suppose, I guess, or I have the impression.
- nei panni di — In the position, role, or situation of someone else; in their shoes.
More German idioms
- einen Vogel zeigen — To gesture dismissively or insultingly, usually by mimicking a cuckoo or making a mocking…
- die Hände in den Schoß legen — To be idle or inactive; to do nothing while waiting or while problems accumulate.
- etwas auf seine Kappe nehmen — To accept blame or responsibility for something.
- 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.
From our compliments & insults
- Schlaumeier — A smart aleck or know-it-all.
- Du bist ein Goldstück — You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.
- Du hast ein Händchen dafür — You have a real knack — a natural gift that makes difficult things look easy.