De dans leiden
Example: Zij leidt de dans op het feest vanavond.
Definition
"De dans leiden" is a Dutch expression meaning to take the lead or control in a situation, especially in social or group activities, like leading a dance or being in charge of a process. For example, in "Zij leidt de dans op het feest vanavond," it means she is leading the dance at the party tonight.
Etymology
The phrase "de dans leiden" literally translates to 'lead the dance' in English. It originates from the literal act of leading a dance, where one person guides others. Over time, it evolved metaphorically in Dutch to mean taking charge or directing an event or situation, much like a dance leader directs the movements.
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"De dans leiden" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to call the tune