Example: Er konnte die Lösung für das Problem einfach aus dem Ärmel schütteln.
Definition
"Etwas aus dem Ärmel schütteln" means to produce or do something effortlessly and quickly, often as if by magic or without prior preparation. For example, it describes someone who can easily come up with a solution or idea without apparent difficulty.
Translations
pull something out of one's hat
sacarse algo de la manga
iets uit de mouw schudden
treure's una cosa de la màniga
sortir quelque chose de son chapeau
Etymology
The phrase "etwas aus dem Ärmel schütteln" literally translates to 'shake something out of the sleeve.' It originates from the idea of a magician or clever person pulling a surprise or solution out of nowhere, much like pulling a trick from a sleeve. Did you know this expression highlights the ease and spontaneity of the action, as if the answer were hidden in the sleeve all along?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Etwas aus dem Ärmel schütteln" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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pull something out of one's hat