Significado
To hide one's true, often selfish intentions.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'doe maar normaal' (just act normal). Someone who 'het achter de ellebogen heeft' is the opposite of 'normaal' because they are acting a part. The phrase is also used in Flanders, though Flemish people might sometimes use 'iemand met haar op de tanden' to describe someone tough, which is different from being sneaky. In Dutch corporate life, direct feedback is standard. If you don't give direct feedback but complain later, you might be seen as having it 'achter de ellebogen'. The show 'Wie is de Mol?' has popularized this idiom for younger generations as it describes the 'Mole' perfectly.
Character Judgment
Be careful using this; it's a strong accusation of being untrustworthy.
The 'Het' Rule
Always include 'het'. Saying 'hij heeft achter de ellebogen' is incorrect.
Significado
To hide one's true, often selfish intentions.
Character Judgment
Be careful using this; it's a strong accusation of being untrustworthy.
The 'Het' Rule
Always include 'het'. Saying 'hij heeft achter de ellebogen' is incorrect.
Directness
Dutch people prefer you to be direct. If you suspect someone has it 'achter de ellebogen', it's often better to address it directly.
Ponte a prueba
Vul het juiste werkwoord in.
Ik vertrouw hem niet, hij ___ het achter de ellebogen.
The idiom always uses the verb 'hebben'.
Wat betekent de zin: 'Zij heeft het achter de ellebogen'?
Wat is de betekenis?
The idiom describes someone who is sneaky and untrustworthy.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Waarom wil je niet met hem samenwerken? B: Omdat hij...
This is the correct grammatical form of the idiom.
In welke situatie gebruik je dit idioom?
Kies de beste situatie:
This involves betrayal and hidden motives, which fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIk vertrouw hem niet, hij ___ het achter de ellebogen.
The idiom always uses the verb 'hebben'.
Wat is de betekenis?
The idiom describes someone who is sneaky and untrustworthy.
A: Waarom wil je niet met hem samenwerken? B: Omdat hij...
This is the correct grammatical form of the idiom.
Kies de beste situatie:
This involves betrayal and hidden motives, which fits the idiom perfectly.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasUsually not. It implies a level of adult calculation and manipulation that children rarely have.
Yes, 99% of the time. It's never a compliment to have it behind the elbows.
'Achterbaks' is an adjective (sneaky), while the idiom is a more colorful way to describe the same trait.
No, it must be plural ('ellebogen') and usually uses 'de' instead of 'zijn'.
Frases relacionadas
achterbaks zijn
synonymTo be sneaky/underhanded
stille wateren hebben diepe gronden
similarStill waters run deep
iemand een hak zetten
builds onTo trip someone up/betray them
recht door zee zijn
contrastTo be direct and honest
