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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.

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