Van de hak op de tak springen
Example: Tijdens het gesprek sprong hij steeds van de hak op de tak.
Definition
"Van de hak op de tak springen" is a Dutch expression meaning to jump from one topic to another abruptly and without a clear connection, often making a conversation confusing or difficult to follow. It describes someone who changes subjects frequently during a discussion.
Etymology
The phrase "van de hak op de tak springen" literally means 'to jump from the heel to the branch.' It originates from old farming or woodworking imagery where moving from a 'hak' (heel or cut) to a 'tak' (branch) symbolized sudden and erratic movement. Did you know? This vivid metaphor captures the idea of hopping unpredictably between topics, much like jumping from one unstable surface to another.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Van de hak op de tak springen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to jump from topic to topic