Example: Hij probeert van twee walletjes te eten, maar dat lukt niet.
Definition
"Van twee walletjes eten" is a Dutch expression meaning to try to benefit from two different sources or sides at the same time, often in a way that is considered unfair or opportunistic. For example, it describes someone attempting to gain advantages from both parties in a situation.
Translations
to play both sides
jugar a dos bandas
jugar a dues bandes
ménager la chèvre et le chou
auf zwei Hochzeiten tanzen
cercare di ottenere vantaggi da due parti
tirar vantagem de duas fontes
Etymology
The phrase "van twee walletjes eten" literally translates to 'eating from two banks' or 'two riverbanks,' which metaphorically signifies taking nourishment or benefit from two places. Its origin highlights the idea of someone trying to enjoy the best of both worlds, akin to feeding from two shores. Did you know this idiom humorously suggests a person attempting to eat from both sides of a river simultaneously?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Van twee walletjes eten" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to play both sides