Example: Veel vissen leggen het loodje in de koude winter.
Definition
"Het loodje leggen" is a Dutch expression meaning to die or perish, often used figuratively to describe the end or failure of something. For example, many fish "leggen het loodje" in the cold winter, indicating they do not survive the harsh conditions.
Translations
to die
estirar la pata
estirar la pota
passer l'arme à gauche
den Löffel abgeben
morire
morrer
Etymology
The phrase "het loodje leggen" literally means 'to lay the little lead,' referring to old lead weights used in fishing or measuring. It evolved metaphorically to signify dying or giving up, as the lead weight sinks and remains motionless. Did you know that the exact origins are somewhat unclear, but it's commonly used in Dutch to indicate passing away or failing?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Het loodje leggen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to die