Example: Hij probeert altijd het onderste uit de kan te halen bij een deal.
Definition
"Het onderste uit de kan halen" is a Dutch expression meaning to try to get the very most out of a situation, often by negotiating hard or being very thorough and resourceful. For example, someone who always seeks the best deal is said to do this.
Translations
to get the most out of something
aprovechar al máximo
treure'n el màxim profit
tirer le maximum
das Letzte herausholen
ottenere il massimo
tirar o máximo proveito
Etymology
The phrase "het onderste uit de kan halen" literally translates to 'to get the bottom out of the jug.' It originates from the idea of pouring out a jug of liquid completely to get every last drop, symbolizing making the most out of something. Did you know this vivid image perfectly captures the spirit of thoroughness and resourcefulness?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Het onderste uit de kan halen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to get the most out of something