10 Dutch Expressions Literally Translated into English
One of Language Connections native Dutch speakers has provided some amusing examples – check out these hilarious translations of 10 Dutch Expressions below!
Dutch Expressions | What happens when you literally translate common expressions from one language into another?
1. Even if a monkey wears a golden ring, it is and remains an ugly thing | Dutch expressions
Dutch: Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding.
Meaning: If something is bad or ugly, you can’t make it beautiful by changing one small detail.
2. Unfortunately peanut butter | Dutch expressions
Dutch: Helaas pindakaas.
Meaning: That’s too bad.
3. I don’t trust you for one meter | Dutch expressions
Dutch: Ik vertrouw je voor geen meter.
Meaning: I don’t trust you at all.
4. I scared myself a hat | Dutch expressions
4. I scared myself a hat | Dutch expressionsDutch: Ik schrok me een hoedje.
Meaning: I got really scared.
5. Now, the monkey comes out of the sleeve | Dutch expressions
Dutch: Nu komt de aap uit de mouw.
Meaning: Finally, the truth is revealed.
6. Choosing eggs for your money | Dutch expressions
Dutch: Eieren voor je geld kiezen.
Meaning: When you are settling for less.
7. You smell one hour in the wind
Dutch: Je stinkt een uur in de wind.
Meaning: You smell really bad.
8. Forward with the goat
8. Forward with the goatDutch: Vooruit met de geit.
Meaning: Move it, let’s go.
9. When the cat is away from home, the mice dance on the table
Dutch: Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel.
Meaning: Without supervision, people will do as they please, especially in disregarding or breaking rules. (Or as the English idiom goes: When the cat’s away, the mice will play).
10. I am monkeyproud of you
Dutch: Ik ben apetrots op je.
Meaning: I am really proud of you.
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