Example: Na de verhuizing moest hij op eigen benen staan.
Definition
"Op eigen benen staan" means to be independent and self-reliant, managing one's own affairs without relying on others. For example, after moving, someone who must 'op eigen benen staan' takes full responsibility for their life and decisions.
The phrase "op eigen benen staan" literally translates to 'stand on one's own legs' in Dutch. It originates from the idea of physical independence and balance, metaphorically extended to personal and financial self-sufficiency. Did you know this phrase evokes the image of someone literally standing firm without support?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Op eigen benen staan" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to stand on one's own feet