Example: We hebben geen olie meer in de lamp, dus die werkt niet.
Definition
"Geen olie meer in de lamp hebben" means to have no more resources, energy, or motivation left to continue an activity or task. It is often used metaphorically to express exhaustion or depletion of one's capacity to keep going.
Translations
to be exhausted
estar agotado
estar esgotat
être à bout de forces
keine Kraft mehr haben
non avere più olio nella lampada
não ter mais óleo na lâmpada
Etymology
The phrase "geen olie meer in de lamp hebben" literally translates to 'having no oil left in the lamp.' It originates from the time when oil lamps were commonly used for light, and running out of oil meant the lamp could no longer function. This literal situation evolved into a metaphor for lacking the necessary energy or means to continue.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Geen olie meer in de lamp hebben" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be exhausted