De klok hebben horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt
Example: Ik heb de klok horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt.
Definition
"De klok hebben horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt" is a Dutch expression meaning to have heard about something but not know the details or specifics. It describes knowing that something exists without understanding how it works or the full story behind it.
Translations
to know only part of the story
haber oído campanas
haver sentit campanes
avoir entendu sonner les cloches
etwas nur halb wissen
sentire suonare la campana ma non sapere dove sia il batacchio
ouvir o sino tocar mas não saber onde está o badalo
Etymology
The phrase "de klok hebben horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt" literally means 'to have heard the bell ring but not know where the clapper hangs.' It originates from the imagery of hearing a bell without knowing its exact mechanism, symbolizing partial or incomplete knowledge. Did you know? This expression vividly captures the idea of being aware of something only in a vague or superficial way.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De klok hebben horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to know only part of the story