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Nederlands
de kogel door de kerk — meaning in English: the die is cast
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the die is cast
repetitie
blauw
vlees
de kogel door de kerk
verworven
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers use 'de kogel door de kerk' when a decision has been made, especially in contexts like business meetings or political discussions. For example, after lengthy negotiations, a project manager might declare, 'De kogel is door de kerk,' indicating that the team has finally reached an agreement and they can move forward.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'de knoop doorhakken,' which also means to make a decision. However, 'de kogel door de kerk' conveys a stronger sense of finality and urgency, making it more suitable for situations where the consequences of the decision are significant.
Culture
'De kogel door de kerk' literally translates to 'the bullet through the church.' Interestingly, this phrase has its roots in the 18th-century Netherlands, where it was used to describe the irreversible nature of certain decisions, much like a bullet that cannot be taken back once fired. The phrase reflects a more decisive, albeit somewhat dramatic, approach to decision-making in Dutch culture.
FAQ
