water bij de wijn doen
Meaning: to compromise or make a concession in a dispute or negotiation.
Language: Dutch
Literally: to add water to the wine
Category: Food & Drink
Origin: The image is of diluting wine with water, reducing its quality or strength—a metaphor for weakening one's position by giving ground.
More idioms — Food & Drink
- alleen de rozijnen uitpikken — to select only the best or most desirable items while ignoring the rest.
- roet in het eten gooien — to spoil or ruin a plan, event, or situation by introducing an unwelcome disruption.
- knollen voor citroenen verkopen — To swindle or defraud someone by passing off something worthless as valuable.
- brood zien in — To view something as a viable or profitable business opportunity.
- weten waar Abraham de mosterd haalt — To be well-informed or knowledgeable about how things really work.
- niet veel soeps — Unimpressive or mediocre; not worth much.
More Dutch idioms
- de teerling is geworpen — an irrevocable decision has been made; the course of action is now set in motion.
- een loopje nemen — to deceive or trick someone.
- bij de les blijven — to remain focused and attentive; to keep one's composure.
- voor dovemansoren — Said or done in vain; unheeded by those it is meant for.
- in de wieg gelegd zijn — To have a natural talent or aptitude for something from birth.
- in zijn oren knopen — To make someone pay close attention to what you are saying, implying they should remember…