Example: Ik heb een stok achter de deur om op tijd te komen.
Definition
"Een stok achter de deur hebben" is a Dutch expression meaning to have a strong incentive or motivation to act, often in the form of a consequence or pressure that ensures one follows through with a task or obligation.
Translations
to have leverage
tener un recurso de presión
tenir una mesura de pressió
avoir un moyen de pression
ein Druckmittel haben
avere un incentivo
ter um incentivo
Etymology
The phrase "een stok achter de deur hebben" literally translates to "to have a stick behind the door." It originates from the idea of having a physical stick as a reminder or threat to enforce discipline or timely action, much like a motivating factor that prevents neglect or delay.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Een stok achter de deur hebben" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to have leverage