Example: We moeten ergens een mouw aan passen om het probleem op te lossen.
Definition
"Ergens een mouw aan passen" is a Dutch expression meaning to find a practical solution or workaround to a problem, often by adapting or adjusting existing conditions, so that the issue can be resolved or managed effectively.
The phrase "ergens een mouw aan passen" literally translates to 'to sew a sleeve onto something.' It originates from tailoring, where adjusting a sleeve implies making modifications to fit better. Over time, it came to metaphorically signify making adjustments to solve problems. Did you know? This phrase reflects the Dutch knack for practical problem-solving through creative adaptation.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Ergens een mouw aan passen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to find a solution