Signification
To be extremely happy.
Contexte culturel
In the Netherlands, this phrase is often used during 'Koningsdag' (King's Day) or when the national football team (Oranje) performs well. It's a rare moment where the Dutch let go of their 'nuchterheid'. Flemish speakers use this idiom just as much as the Dutch, but they might pair it with more exuberant body language. It's common in Flemish TV shows when contestants win prizes. In Surinamese Dutch, idioms are often used with a rhythmic flair. While the meaning remains the same, the delivery might be more emphatic.
Use the Past Tense
Most people use this idiom to describe a reaction that just happened. Practice 'Ik sprong' more than 'Ik spring'.
Don't be literal
Even if you are sitting in a chair, you can say you are 'jumping a hole in the air'. It's about the feeling!
Signification
To be extremely happy.
Use the Past Tense
Most people use this idiom to describe a reaction that just happened. Practice 'Ik sprong' more than 'Ik spring'.
Don't be literal
Even if you are sitting in a chair, you can say you are 'jumping a hole in the air'. It's about the feeling!
Teste-toi
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'springen' in.
Toen ik hoorde dat ik de prijs had gewonnen, ___ ik een gat in de lucht.
The sentence starts with 'Toen' (When), indicating a past event, so we use the past tense 'sprong'.
Wat betekent de uitdrukking?
Jan springt een gat in de lucht.
The idiom 'een gat in de lucht springen' is a standard way to say someone is very happy.
Kies het beste antwoord.
A: 'Ik heb eindelijk een huis gevonden!' B: 'Wat goed! ...'
This is the complete and correct form of the idiom used to show shared joy.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesToen ik hoorde dat ik de prijs had gewonnen, ___ ik een gat in de lucht.
The sentence starts with 'Toen' (When), indicating a past event, so we use the past tense 'sprong'.
Jan springt een gat in de lucht.
The idiom 'een gat in de lucht springen' is a standard way to say someone is very happy.
A: 'Ik heb eindelijk een huis gevonden!' B: 'Wat goed! ...'
This is the complete and correct form of the idiom used to show shared joy.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, it's neutral to informal. You can use it with friends, family, and colleagues, but maybe not in a legal contract.
No, the verb must be 'springen'. 'Vliegen' (to fly) is not used in this idiom.
You can, but it might sound sarcastic. It's best for big, exciting news.
Expressions liées
In de zevende hemel zijn
similarTo be in seventh heaven / extremely happy.
Blij met een dode mus
contrastTo be happy about something that turns out to be worthless.
De bloemetjes buiten zetten
builds onTo go out and celebrate/party.
