Example: Als baas wil ik altijd de touwtjes in handen hebben.
Definition
"De touwtjes in handen hebben" means to be in control or to have the power to make decisions, especially in a leadership or authoritative position. For example, when a boss says, 'Als baas wil ik altijd de touwtjes in handen hebben,' it means they want to maintain control.
Translations
to be in control
tener el control
tenir el control
tenir les rênes
die Zügel in der Hand haben
avere il controllo
ter as rédeas na mão
Etymology
The phrase "de touwtjes in handen hebben" literally translates to 'to have the strings in one's hands.' It originates from the idea of controlling a puppet or an object by holding its strings, symbolizing control and authority. Did you know this vivid imagery reflects how power was once visualized physically?
Learn to use this expression actively
"De touwtjes in handen hebben" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to be in control