Example: Ze wilde altijd iemand de loef afsteken in het spel.
Definition
"Iemand de loef afsteken" is a Dutch expression meaning to outdo or surpass someone, often by showing superior skill or cleverness. It implies taking the lead or gaining an advantage over another person, as in a game or competition.
Translations
to outdo someone
superar a alguien
superar algú
surpasser quelqu'un
jemanden ausstechen
superare qualcuno
superar alguém
Etymology
The phrase "iemand de loef afsteken" originates from nautical terminology. 'Loef' refers to the windward side of a ship, and 'afsteken' means to point or turn off. Originally, it described a ship maneuvering to gain the windward position over another, symbolizing gaining an advantageous position, which evolved into the expression for outdoing someone.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Iemand de loef afsteken" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to outdo someone