Example: We moesten de boot afhouden om niet nat te worden.
Definition
"De boot afhouden" is a Dutch expression meaning to keep a distance or avoid getting involved in a situation, often to prevent trouble or harm. For example, it can mean staying away to avoid getting wet or caught up in problems.
Translations
to keep someone at bay
dar largas
donar llargues
tenir à distance
jemanden hinhalten
tenere la barca lontana
afastar o barco
Etymology
The phrase "de boot afhouden" literally translates to 'keep off the boat.' It originates from the idea of staying away from a boat to avoid getting wet or in trouble. Did you know this expression vividly captures the practical advice of avoiding risks by simply keeping off the boat?
Learn to use this expression actively
"De boot afhouden" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to keep someone at bay