뜻
Wait and see how things develop.
문화적 배경
The Dutch 'Polder Model' encourages consensus. Looking the cat out of the tree is seen as a professional virtue because it prevents unnecessary conflict. Flemish people are often described as more 'bescheiden' (modest) and reserved than the Dutch. They might use this phrase even more frequently in social settings. In Dutch startups, this phrase is sometimes criticized by younger generations who prefer 'Agile' and fast action, but it remains a staple in traditional industries like banking and law. If someone calls you 'kat-uit-de-boom-kijkend', it's usually a neutral observation of your personality, not an insult.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to explain why you are being quiet in a Dutch conversation without sounding rude.
Don't over-analyze
While it means 'wait and see', don't use it for waiting for a bus. It's for social or strategic situations.
뜻
Wait and see how things develop.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to explain why you are being quiet in a Dutch conversation without sounding rude.
Don't over-analyze
While it means 'wait and see', don't use it for waiting for a bus. It's for social or strategic situations.
The 'Kijker' noun
You can call someone a 'kat-uit-de-boom-kijker' to describe their personality type.
Patience is a virtue
In the Netherlands, being perceived as 'rustig' (calm) and 'afwachtend' is often a compliment.
셀프 테스트
Vul het juiste werkwoord in.
Ik ben nieuw hier, dus ik ______ eerst de kat uit de boom.
The idiom always uses the verb 'kijken'.
Wat betekent deze zin?
Jan kijkt de kat uit de boom bij het nieuwe project.
The idiom means to wait and see how a situation develops.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Wat vind je van de nieuwe buurman?' B: 'Ik weet het nog niet, ik ...'
This is the natural way to express social caution in Dutch.
Welke situatie past bij het spreekwoord?
Je bent op een vergadering en je zegt niets omdat je eerst wilt weten wat de anderen denken.
This situation perfectly describes the strategic observation of the idiom.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Action vs. Observation
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Ik ben nieuw hier, dus ik ______ eerst de kat uit de boom.
The idiom always uses the verb 'kijken'.
Jan kijkt de kat uit de boom bij het nieuwe project.
The idiom means to wait and see how a situation develops.
A: 'Wat vind je van de nieuwe buurman?' B: 'Ik weet het nog niet, ik ...'
This is the natural way to express social caution in Dutch.
Je bent op een vergadering en je zegt niets omdat je eerst wilt weten wat de anderen denken.
This situation perfectly describes the strategic observation of the idiom.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
14 질문No, it's neutral. It describes a cautious but sensible approach.
Yes, it's very common in professional Dutch to describe a cautious strategy.
Yes, the article is part of the fixed idiom.
Keek de kat uit de boom.
Not really, but you can just use the verb 'afwachten'.
No, that would be incorrect and confusing.
Yes, it is widely used in Flanders as well.
It can imply shyness, but it more often implies strategic caution.
You could, but people will think you are making a joke.
The grammar is B1, but the concept is so common that A1 learners should recognize it.
It's a sound between 'ah' and 'ee'. Practice with 'kijken'.
It's neutral—appropriate for both friends and bosses.
'Wait and see' is the best match.
Because cats are notoriously difficult to get out of trees by force!
관련 표현
Afwachten
synonymTo wait and see.
De boel aanzien
similarTo look the situation over.
Met de deur in huis vallen
contrastTo get straight to the point.
Eerst zien, dan geloven
similarFirst see, then believe.
Een slag om de arm houden
builds onTo keep one's options open.
