Example: Hij probeert altijd een wit voetje te halen bij de leraar.
Definition
"Een wit voetje halen" is a Dutch expression meaning to try to gain someone's favor or approval, often by flattering or doing something to please them. For example, it is used when someone tries to get on a teacher's good side.
Translations
to curry favor
ganarse el favor
guanyar-se el favor
se faire bien voir
sich einschmeicheln
fare buona impressione
puxar o saco
Etymology
The phrase "een wit voetje halen" literally translates as 'to get a white little foot.' It likely originates from the idea of having a clean or innocent appearance (symbolized by a white foot) to be favored or forgiven. The exact origin is uncertain, but it has been used in Dutch for centuries to describe seeking favor.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Een wit voetje halen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to curry favor