Auf Biegen und Brechen
Example: Er wollte auf Biegen und Brechen den Vertrag durchsetzen.
Definition
"Auf Biegen und Brechen" is a German expression meaning to insist on achieving something at all costs, regardless of difficulties or obstacles. It implies a determined, sometimes stubborn effort to accomplish a goal, as in the phrase, "He wanted to enforce the contract auf Biegen und Brechen."
Etymology
The phrase "auf Biegen und Brechen" literally translates to "on bending and breaking," suggesting the willingness to bend or even break rules or limits to succeed. It originates from the imagery of physically bending or breaking something to achieve a purpose, emphasizing extreme determination in German-speaking cultures.
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"Auf Biegen und Brechen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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