Example: We moeten de hand aan de ploeg slaan en hard werken.
Definition
"De hand aan de ploeg slaan" means to start working hard and seriously on a task or project. It implies committing oneself to effort and diligence, often after a period of delay or hesitation, as in the example: 'We moeten de hand aan de ploeg slaan en hard werken.'
The phrase "de hand aan de ploeg slaan" originates from agricultural practices where the hand is placed on the plough to begin tilling the soil. This metaphorical expression encourages taking action and putting in effort, reflecting the importance of starting work with determination.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De hand aan de ploeg slaan" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to get to work