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uit de hand lopen

Meaning: to become uncontrolled or chaotic.

Language: Dutch

Literally: to run out of hand

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The phrase draws on the image of something slipping beyond one's grip and control.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • tussen de oren — in one's mind or thoughts.
  • een uur in de wind stinken — To smell extremely bad.
  • under kniven — Undergoing surgery, or under intense pressure to perform.
  • fjällen falla från någons ögon — To suddenly understand something that was previously hidden or obscured.
  • med glimten i ögat — To say or do something in a joking or cheeky manner, with playful mischief rather than se…
  • ha luktat krutrök — To be experienced in battle or conflict; to have been tested under fire.

More Dutch idioms

  • achter slot en grendel — imprisoned or confined.
  • in de clinch liggen — To be in conflict or at odds with someone.
  • uit zijn plaat gaan — To lose control of oneself or go crazy.
  • Helaas, pindakaas — Too bad, nothing can be done about it.
  • Nu komt de aap uit de mouw — The truth is finally revealed.
  • Met de deur in huis vallen — To get straight to the point without any preamble.

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