IdiomBody & Senses
Dutch
Dutchuit de hand lopen
Meaning: to become uncontrolled or chaotic.
Literally: To run out of hand
Example: “Het verjaardagsfeestje liep volledig uit de hand.” — The birthday party got completely out of hand.
English equivalent: To get out of hand
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: irse de las manos Literally: To go away from the hands
English: get out of hand
Origin: Something that runs out of one's hand has slipped one's grip and goes its own way. The phrase is ordinary Dutch for getting out of control and has no particular story behind it.
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.
- Twee vliegen in één klap slaan To achieve two things with a single action.
- De pot verwijt de ketel dat hij zwart is Someone criticizes another person for a fault they have themselves.
- Het sop is de kool niet waard It isn't worth the trouble.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Na regen komt zonneschijn Good times follow bad times.
- Het geld groeit me niet op de rug Money is limited and has to be earned.
- Keulen en Aken zijn niet op één dag gebouwd Great things take time.
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