IdiomDaily Life
German
Germankein unbeschriebenes Blatt sein
Meaning: To be a person whose background, reputation, or history is already known.
Literally: To be no blank page
Example: “Der neue Trainer ist in dieser Liga kein unbeschriebenes Blatt.” — The new coach is a known quantity in this league.
English equivalent: To be a known quantity
Equivalents in other languages
English: be a known quantity
Origin: An unbeschriebenes Blatt is a blank sheet of paper, on which nothing has yet been written. A person who is no blank sheet already has a record: they are known, and often known for something they did. The image of the mind or life as a sheet waiting to be written on is old; the phrase itself has no particular story behind it.
More German idioms
- einen Vogel zeigen To tap one's forehead at someone, a rude gesture meaning "you're crazy."
- 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.
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- 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.
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