Example: Hij stak een stokje voor hun plan om te reizen.
Definition
"Een stokje steken voor" is a Dutch expression meaning to obstruct or interfere with someone's plans or actions, often by introducing an obstacle or objection that prevents them from proceeding. For example, it describes hindering a plan or idea from being carried out.
The phrase "een stokje steken voor" literally means 'to stick a small stick in front of' and comes from the imagery of physically placing a stick to block or trip someone. This vivid metaphor evolved in Dutch to figuratively express the act of obstructing or impeding progress or plans.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Een stokje steken voor" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to put a stop to