Example: Na jaren hard werken heeft hij eindelijk zijn schaapjes op het droge.
Definition
"Zijn schaapjes op het droge hebben" is a Dutch expression meaning to have secured one's financial stability or to have achieved a comfortable and safe position, often after hard work or effort. It implies that a person has ensured their livelihood or future well-being.
Translations
to be financially secure
tener el futuro asegurado
tenir el futur assegurat
être à l'abri du besoin
seine Schäfchen im Trockenen haben
essere al sicuro
estar seguro
Etymology
The phrase "zijn schaapjes op het droge hebben" literally translates to "having one's sheep on dry land," which historically refers to the idea of safely bringing sheep ashore from water or marshes, symbolizing security and safety. Over time, it evolved into an idiom meaning to have secured one's financial or personal stability.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Zijn schaapjes op het droge 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 financially secure