Signification
A situation is becoming unmanageable.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch are known for being 'zuinig' (frugal). Because of this, you will hear this idiom most often in relation to money and rising costs. Many Dutch idioms come from the sea. This reflects the country's history as a seafaring nation where safety on a ship was a matter of life and death. Dutch people are very direct. Using this phrase is a socially acceptable way to be direct about your annoyance without being personally insulting. In a culture that values consensus, this phrase marks the 'limit' of that consensus. It's the signal that the 'polderen' has failed.
Use with 'echt'
To sound like a native, add 'echt' (really) before 'de spuigaten'. It adds the perfect level of Dutch indignation.
Plural only
Never say 'het spuigat'. It sounds very strange to Dutch ears.
Signification
A situation is becoming unmanageable.
Use with 'echt'
To sound like a native, add 'echt' (really) before 'de spuigaten'. It adds the perfect level of Dutch indignation.
Plural only
Never say 'het spuigat'. It sounds very strange to Dutch ears.
Newspaper Reading
Look for this phrase in the 'Economie' section of Dutch newspapers like NRC or Volkskrant; it's used constantly there.
Teste-toi
Vul het juiste woord in om de zin af te maken.
De prijzen in de supermarkt lopen de _______ uit.
Het is altijd meervoud: 'spuigaten'.
Welke zin is grammaticaal correct?
Kies de juiste zin:
In een hoofdzin staat 'loopt' op de tweede plek en 'uit' aan het einde van het idioom-deel.
In welke situatie gebruik je dit idioom NIET?
Kies de situatie die NIET past:
Het idioom wordt alleen gebruikt voor negatieve of vervelende situaties.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Heb je gehoord dat de treinkaartjes weer duurder worden?' B: 'Ja, verschrikkelijk! ...'
De vaste uitdrukking is 'uitlopen'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDe prijzen in de supermarkt lopen de _______ uit.
Het is altijd meervoud: 'spuigaten'.
Kies de juiste zin:
In een hoofdzin staat 'loopt' op de tweede plek en 'uit' aan het einde van het idioom-deel.
Kies de situatie die NIET past:
Het idioom wordt alleen gebruikt voor negatieve of vervelende situaties.
A: 'Heb je gehoord dat de treinkaartjes weer duurder worden?' B: 'Ja, verschrikkelijk! ...'
De vaste uitdrukking is 'uitlopen'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a standard way to express that something is excessive. However, it is a complaint, so use it when you want to show dissatisfaction.
Yes, you can say 'Zijn gedrag loopt de spuigaten uit', but you don't usually say 'Hij loopt de spuigaten uit'. It's the behavior or the situation that 'runs out'.
It's a scupper—a hole in the side of a ship's deck to let water drain out. It's a very old nautical term.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your friends.
No, that's a common mistake. It's always 'uit' (out), not 'over'.
Not really, but you can just say 'Dit gaat te ver' (This goes too far) if you forget the idiom.
Yes, though they might prefer 'Het gaat nergens over' in very casual settings, 'spuigaten' is still very common among all ages.
Yes: 'Het liep de spuigaten uit'.
Yes, it is used in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
'Over de schreef gaan' is specifically about breaking a rule or a moral boundary. 'Spuigaten' is about quantity or intensity being too much.
Expressions liées
De pan uit rijzen
similarTo skyrocket (usually prices)
Alle perken te buiten gaan
synonymTo go beyond all bounds
Over de schreef gaan
similarTo cross the line
De maat is vol
builds onEnough is enough
Bont maken
similarTo take things too far
