Example: Tijdens het spel mag jij de lakens uitdelen aan iedereen.
Definition
"De lakens uitdelen" is a Dutch expression meaning to be in control or to take charge of a situation. For example, during a game, if someone says 'jij mag de lakens uitdelen,' it means you have the authority to decide or lead others.
The phrase "de lakens uitdelen" literally translates to 'distribute the sheets,' referring to the act of giving out bed sheets. Historically, it comes from the idea that the person handing out the sheets in a shared sleeping arrangement held authority over the others. Over time, it evolved figuratively to mean taking control or directing a situation.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De lakens uitdelen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to call the shots