Example: De maat is vol, we kunnen dit niet langer accepteren.
Definition
"De maat is vol" is a Dutch expression meaning that a limit of tolerance or patience has been reached, often used to indicate that a situation has become unacceptable and action must be taken, as in the example: 'De maat is vol, we kunnen dit niet langer accepteren.'
Translations
the limit has been reached
se acabó la paciencia
s'ha acabat la paciència
la coupe est pleine
das Maß ist voll
la misura è colma
o limite está atingido
Etymology
The phrase "de maat is vol" literally translates to 'the measure is full' in English. It originates from the idea of filling a container to its capacity, symbolizing that no more can be taken or tolerated. Did you know? This phrase has been used in Dutch for centuries to express reaching a limit of endurance or patience.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De maat is vol" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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the limit has been reached