Example: De degens kruisen tijdens het spannende schermtoernooi.
Definition
"De degens kruisen" is a Dutch expression meaning to engage in a competitive or confrontational activity, often implying a duel or contest where opponents face off directly, such as crossing swords in a fencing match or competing intensely in a challenging situation.
The phrase "de degens kruisen" literally translates to 'crossing the swords' in Dutch. It originates from the imagery of two fencers crossing their swords (degens) during a duel. This vivid metaphor has evolved to describe any intense competition or confrontation, not limited to actual sword fighting.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De degens kruisen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select Dutch as the language you want to learn.
to cross swords