De vinger op de zere plek leggen
Example: Ze legde de vinger op de zere plek tijdens het gesprek.
Definition
"De vinger op de zere plek leggen" means to directly address or point out a sensitive or problematic issue, often causing discomfort but highlighting an important truth. For example, it refers to identifying the exact cause of a problem during a conversation.
Etymology
The phrase "de vinger op de zere plek leggen" literally translates to 'putting the finger on the sore spot' in Dutch. It originates from the idea of physically touching a painful spot, which naturally draws attention and sometimes discomfort, symbolizing the act of pinpointing a sensitive issue.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De vinger op de zere plek leggen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to put one's finger on the sore spot