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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.

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