Example: Der Detektiv musste dem Zeugen gründlich auf den Zahn fühlen.
Definition
"Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen" is a German idiom meaning to question someone thoroughly or investigate them carefully, often to uncover the truth or gather detailed information. For example, a detective might "jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen" to get important facts from a witness.
Translations
question closely
sonsacar
iemand aan de tand voelen
fer parlar algú
cuisiner quelqu'un
Etymology
The phrase "jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen" literally means 'to feel someone's tooth.' It originates from the old practice of checking a horse's age and health by feeling its teeth. Over time, it became a metaphor for examining or questioning someone carefully to evaluate their honesty or knowledge.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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question closely