Example: Er hielt eine beeindruckende Rede etwas aus dem Stegreif.
Definition
"Etwas aus dem Stegreif" means doing or saying something spontaneously without prior preparation, often demonstrating quick thinking or improvisation. For example, delivering an impressive speech without any rehearsal is doing it "etwas aus dem Stegreif."
Translations
off the cuff
de improviso
voor de vuist weg
d'improvís
à brûle-pourpoint
Etymology
The phrase "etwas aus dem Stegreif" literally translates to 'something from the standing stirrup.' It originates from the idea of a rider mounting a horse quickly without a saddle, symbolizing immediate action or improvisation. Did you know? The expression emphasizes spontaneity, just like jumping into a task without preparation.
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"Etwas aus dem Stegreif" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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off the cuff