Signification
There is no real difference between the options.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Dutch history of trade and the 'rag-and-bone' men who were a staple of urban life until the mid-20th century. While used in Flanders, Flemish speakers might more often use 'het is één pot nat' or 'het is om het even.' In meetings, this phrase is a polite way to say 'let's stop wasting time on this decision because it doesn't matter.' Voters often use this to express 'political cynicism,' feeling that all parties are the same once they are in power.
Use it for 'Meh' moments
This phrase is perfect when you aren't excited about either option. It conveys a sense of 'it's all the same anyway.'
Don't use for people you like
Comparing two friends by saying 'het is lood om oud ijzer' implies they are both equally low-value, which can be offensive.
Signification
There is no real difference between the options.
Use it for 'Meh' moments
This phrase is perfect when you aren't excited about either option. It conveys a sense of 'it's all the same anyway.'
Don't use for people you like
Comparing two friends by saying 'het is lood om oud ijzer' implies they are both equally low-value, which can be offensive.
The 'Het' is key
Always start with 'Het is...' to sound most natural. Avoid trying to pluralize it unless you are very advanced.
Teste-toi
Vul de ontbrekende woorden in.
Of we nu de trein of de bus nemen, het is ___ om oud ___.
De vaste uitdrukking is 'lood om oud ijzer'.
Wat is de beste betekenis van deze zin?
De baas zei: 'Welke software je ook kiest, het is lood om oud ijzer.'
De uitdrukking betekent dat er geen belangrijk verschil is tussen de opties.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'lood om oud ijzer'?
Kies de juiste situatie:
Je gebruikt het bij keuzes waar het verschil niet belangrijk is.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Zullen we via de snelweg gaan of binnendoor?' B: 'Er is overal file, dus...'
Omdat er overal file is, maakt de route niet uit.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Lood vs. Oud IJzer
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOf we nu de trein of de bus nemen, het is ___ om oud ___.
De vaste uitdrukking is 'lood om oud ijzer'.
De baas zei: 'Welke software je ook kiest, het is lood om oud ijzer.'
De uitdrukking betekent dat er geen belangrijk verschil is tussen de opties.
Kies de juiste situatie:
Je gebruikt het bij keuzes waar het verschil niet belangrijk is.
A: 'Zullen we via de snelweg gaan of binnendoor?' B: 'Er is overal file, dus...'
Omdat er overal file is, maakt de route niet uit.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with friends. It's not slang, but it's not overly stiff either.
No, the order is fixed. It is always 'lood om oud ijzer'.
Not necessarily, but it often implies that neither option is particularly special or 'gold'.
The closest is 'six of one, half a dozen of the other' or 'it's much of a muchness'.
It is written as two words: 'oud ijzer'.
Yes, if two prices are almost the same, you can use it.
Yes, though Flemish people have their own variations, they will perfectly understand this.
Because they were the most common heavy scrap metals with similar low values in the 19th century.
Highly discouraged. It implies the options are 'scrap metal'.
Sometimes people just say 'Het is lood om...', but it's better to say the whole thing.
Expressions liées
één pot nat
synonymAll the same (usually negative)
om het even
similarIt's all the same to me
geen haar beter
similarNot a hair better
het maakt niet uit
synonymIt doesn't matter
