Signification
Ignoring or abandoning someone.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' emphasizes that everyone should be included. Leaving someone 'in de kou' is seen as a failure of this social consensus. The phrase is equally common in Flanders and carries the same weight, often used in labor union rhetoric. In Dutch offices, 'directheid' (directness) is valued. If you feel unsupported, you might use this phrase directly to your manager. The phrase is deeply tied to the Dutch welfare state. It is the primary idiom used to criticize cuts to social services.
Use for Empathy
Use this phrase to show you understand someone's struggle. 'Ik laat je niet in de kou staan' is a very powerful way to offer help.
Grammar Trap
Don't say 'gelaten staan'. Even advanced learners make this mistake. Stick to 'laten staan' in the past tense.
Signification
Ignoring or abandoning someone.
Use for Empathy
Use this phrase to show you understand someone's struggle. 'Ik laat je niet in de kou staan' is a very powerful way to offer help.
Grammar Trap
Don't say 'gelaten staan'. Even advanced learners make this mistake. Stick to 'laten staan' in the past tense.
Political Context
If you're reading Dutch news, look for this phrase. It's the #1 idiom used in headlines about social injustice.
Teste-toi
Vul het juiste werkwoord in (let op de tijd!).
Mijn collega heeft mij gisteren in de kou ______ staan.
Because of the IPP-effect, we use the infinitive 'laten' after 'heeft' when followed by another infinitive ('staan').
Welke zin is correct?
Wat betekent 'Iemand in de kou laten staan'?
This is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
In welke situatie gebruik je deze uitdrukking?
Je vriend belooft je te helpen verhuizen, maar hij komt niet opdagen.
Abandoning a promise to help is a perfect context for this idiom.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik heb echt hulp nodig met dit project.' B: 'Geen zorgen, ik laat je niet ______ ______ ______ ______.'
The standard form is 'in de kou staan'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMijn collega heeft mij gisteren in de kou ______ staan.
Because of the IPP-effect, we use the infinitive 'laten' after 'heeft' when followed by another infinitive ('staan').
Wat betekent 'Iemand in de kou laten staan'?
This is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
Je vriend belooft je te helpen verhuizen, maar hij komt niet opdagen.
Abandoning a promise to help is a perfect context for this idiom.
A: 'Ik heb echt hulp nodig met dit project.' B: 'Geen zorgen, ik laat je niet ______ ______ ______ ______.'
The standard form is 'in de kou staan'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but it's usually a joke or a pun. If someone is literally standing in the snow, you can say it, but people will assume you're being clever.
It is very direct. It's better to say 'Ik voel me niet gesteund' (I don't feel supported) unless you want to be very confrontational.
'In de steek laten' is more general abandonment. 'In de kou laten staan' specifically implies a lack of support in a difficult situation.
No, 'laten staan' can also mean 'to leave something standing' (like a glass of water), but 'in de kou' makes it this specific idiom.
Expressions liées
Iemand in de steek laten
synonymTo abandon someone.
Iemand aan zijn lot overlaten
similarTo leave someone to their fate.
Iemand een hart onder de riem steken
contrastTo encourage someone.
Iemand de koude schouder geven
similarTo give someone the cold shoulder.
