dat is water bij de wijn — meaning in English: That is watering down the wine.

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Guess the translation for That is watering down the wine.

conceptueel

aangezien

ik begrijp het

dat is water bij de wijn

vermoeden

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'dat is water bij de wijn' in discussions about compromising or diluting ideas in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, a team meeting where a bold idea is altered to appease critics, or during a friendly debate where someone feels that opinions are being softened to avoid conflict.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'compromis sluiten,' meaning 'to strike a compromise.' However, 'dat is water bij de wijn' carries a slightly negative connotation of losing original strength or quality, whereas 'compromis sluiten' can be neutral, focusing more on the act of finding common ground.

Culture

'Dat is water bij de wijn' literally means 'that is water in the wine,' referencing the practice of diluting wine, a practice thought to have originated in ancient cultures. The phrase has become a metaphorical expression in Dutch, reflecting the emphasis on compromise and sometimes the dilution of one's original intentions in social interactions.

FAQ

Q.What does 'dat is water bij de wijn' mean in English?

'Dat is water bij de wijn' translates to 'that is watering down the wine.' It implies making something less intense or impactful, often through compromise.

Q.How can I use 'dat is water bij de wijn' in a sentence?

You can use it in contexts like: 'When we changed the proposal to meet everyone’s needs, I felt it was water bij de wijn.' This indicates a sense of loss in the original idea.

Q.Are there any grammatical rules for using this phrase?

'Dat is water bij de wijn' functions as a complete sentence in Dutch, so it can be used independently. Remember to use it in contexts where you wish to express the idea of compromising or diluting an original concept.

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Dutch Vocabulary