Example: We hebben ons kruit al verschoten tijdens het eerste spel.
Definition
"Zijn kruit verschieten" is a Dutch expression meaning to have already used up all one’s resources, energy, or opportunities, especially early in a process or event, leaving nothing left for later stages, as in the example: We hebben ons kruit al verschoten tijdens het eerste spel.
Translations
to waste one's efforts
quemar sus cartuchos
cremar els cartutxos
gaspiller ses forces
sein Pulver verschießen
sparare il proprio colpo
gastar a pólvora
Etymology
The phrase "zijn kruit verschieten" literally translates to "to shoot one's gunpowder." It originates from the days when gunpowder was precious and limited; once it was spent, no more shots could be fired. Did you know? This metaphorical use captures the idea of exhausting one’s means too soon.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Zijn kruit verschieten" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to waste one's efforts