Example: Kun je de deur op een kier zetten zodat ik naar binnen kan?
Definition
"De deur op een kier zetten" means to leave the door slightly open, often used metaphorically to indicate giving a small opportunity or chance for something to happen. For example, it can refer to allowing someone limited access or a possibility to enter or participate.
Translations
to leave the door open
dejar una posibilidad abierta
deixar una possibilitat oberta
laisser une porte ouverte
eine Tür offenlassen
lasciare la porta socchiusa
deixar a porta entreaberta
Etymology
The phrase "de deur op een kier zetten" comes from Dutch, where "deur" means door and "kier" means a crack or a small opening. It literally describes the action of setting the door ajar, symbolizing a small opening or chance. Did you know that this expression is often used figuratively in Dutch to suggest openness to new possibilities?
Learn to use this expression actively
"De deur op een kier zetten" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to leave the door open