keine halben Sachen machen
Meaning: To commit fully to something; to be thorough and complete rather than halfhearted or compromising.
Language: German
Literally: to not make half things
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The phrase contrasts whole, complete action with incomplete or timid effort; 'halbe Sachen' (half-things) represent compromises or half-measures.
More idioms — Daily Life
- die Zelte abbrechen — to move away or leave a place; to abandon one's position.
- erstunken und erlogen — entirely false or made up; a complete lie or fabrication.
- mit allem Drum und Dran — complete with all the accessories, extras, or associated details; entirely and comprehens…
- jemandem nicht das Wasser reichen können — To be vastly inferior to someone in ability or quality.
- auf dem Teppich bleiben — To stay grounded and realistic; to avoid getting swept up in fantasies or exaggeration.
- seinen Hut nehmen — To resign or quit from a position.
More German idioms
- was das Zeug hält — with maximum intensity or speed; to the absolute limit of one's capacity.
- bei der Stange halten — to keep someone obedient, loyal, or in line through discipline or pressure.
- keine zehn Pferde — nothing could force or move one; obstinate refusal or immovable determination.
- mundtot machen — to silence or suppress someone; to rob them of the ability or right to speak.
- wie ein Blinder von der Farbe reden — to discuss or explain something one has no direct experience or understanding of; to spea…
- an die Kandare nehmen — To restrain, control, or impose discipline on someone.
From our compliments & insults
- Schlauberger — A know-it-all smartass who never misses a chance to show off their cleverness.
- Dickkopf — A pig-headed, unyielding person — their skull is so thick no new idea can penetrate it.
- Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte — You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.