Den Ton angeben
Example: In der Diskussion musste er schließlich den Ton angeben.
Definition
"Den Ton angeben" means to set the tone or take the lead in a discussion or situation, establishing the manner or mood that others follow. For example, in a debate, the person who "den Ton angibt" influences how others behave or respond.
Etymology
The phrase "den Ton angeben" literally means 'to give the tone.' It originates from music, where setting the tone is crucial for harmony. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean leading or setting the standard in conversations or events. Did you know? This phrase shows how musical terms often enter everyday language to describe social dynamics.
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"Den Ton angeben" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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call the shots