Anglo-Dutch
all things Dutch in the UK
(and also some abroad)

Frequently mixed-up:

• Fractions (delen (=parts)) = breuk (break) numerator/denominator = teller/noemer 

Unusual word translations - ongebruikelijke woorden vertaald 

• portmanteau = schalen koffer - although a schalenkoffer tends to be injection moulded, and a portmanteau is historically made from leather.

Bekende zegswijzen - Standing expressions

• Black eye (zwart oog) = blauw oog (blue eye)
• Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted = de put dempen nadat het kalf verdronken is 
• Crying over spilled milk = futile words when timely action or care were lacking
• Formidable (awesome, frightening) = formidabel (super!) 
• Gilding on the cake
• Grasping at straws = last bit of (futile) resistance
• Hornets nest = wespennest
• I hear what you say = and that is the last I intend to do with your presentation.
• Last straw (laatste strohalm) = de druppel die de emmer doet overlopen
• Rule of thumb (regel van de duim) = vuistregel (fist rule) 
• Sucker (at rose bush etc.) = diefje (aan rozenstruik enz.) 
• Wisps (of mist, straw, etc.) = flarden (mist, stro, enz.) 
• Water under the bridge = mosterd na de maaltijd (mustard after the meal - BW)

Proverbs and sayings - spreuken en gezegden

• The more, the merrier = hoe meer zielen, deste meer vreugd (more souls, more joy).
• Swings and roundabouts (schommels en draaimolens) = lood om oud ijzer (lead around old iron) 
• They had a pint, they had a P, and left affairs as they would be - Men dronk een glas, men deed een plas, en liet de zaak zoals die was. Correct English equivalent required!