Example: Hij is niet voor één gat te vangen en lost problemen snel op.
Definition
"Niet voor één gat te vangen zijn" is a Dutch expression meaning someone is clever and resourceful, able to quickly solve problems or find solutions in difficult situations. For example, 'Hij is niet voor één gat te vangen en lost problemen snel op' means he is quick-witted and capable.
Translations
to be resourceful
saber salir adelante
saber-se'n sortir
avoir de la ressource
nicht auf den Kopf gefallen sein
non essere ingenuo
não ser fácil de enganar
Etymology
The phrase "niet voor één gat te vangen zijn" literally translates to 'not to be caught by one hole.' It comes from Dutch idiomatic language, implying a person is too clever to be trapped or fooled easily. The original image is of someone who cannot be caught or tricked through a single weak spot, highlighting cleverness and resourcefulness.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Niet voor één gat te vangen zijn" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to be resourceful