Meaning
To question someone thoroughly.
Cultural Background
Reflects the 'no-nonsense' Dutch business culture where verifying claims is more important than politeness. Also used in Flanders, though Flemish speakers might sometimes prefer 'iemand op de rooster leggen' (to put someone on the grill). The horse-trading origin is common across Northern Europe, showing a shared history of agriculture and trade. Now used by tech reviewers and influencers when testing new gadgets, showing the idiom's adaptability.
Use with 'even'
Adding 'even' (Ik ga je even aan de tand voelen) makes it sound slightly less aggressive and more like a natural Dutch speaker.
Singular only!
Never say 'aan de tanden'. It's a fixed idiom that only works with one tooth.
Meaning
To question someone thoroughly.
Use with 'even'
Adding 'even' (Ik ga je even aan de tand voelen) makes it sound slightly less aggressive and more like a natural Dutch speaker.
Singular only!
Never say 'aan de tanden'. It's a fixed idiom that only works with one tooth.
Directness
Don't be offended if a Dutch person says they want to 'feel you at the tooth'. It usually means they take you seriously and want to know more.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste woorden in om de zin af te maken.
De journalist wilde de minister flink ___ de ___ voelen.
The fixed phrase is 'aan de tand voelen'.
Wat is de betekenis van 'iemand aan de tand voelen'?
De baas voelt de werknemer aan de tand.
It means to question someone thoroughly or critically.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'aan de tand voelen'?
Match de situatie.
The phrase implies a serious or critical interrogation.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Hoe was je sollicitatiegesprek?' B: 'Pittig! Ze hebben me flink _______.'
The past participle 'gevoeld' is needed here.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe journalist wilde de minister flink ___ de ___ voelen.
The fixed phrase is 'aan de tand voelen'.
De baas voelt de werknemer aan de tand.
It means to question someone thoroughly or critically.
Match de situatie.
The phrase implies a serious or critical interrogation.
A: 'Hoe was je sollicitatiegesprek?' B: 'Pittig! Ze hebben me flink _______.'
The past participle 'gevoeld' is needed here.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNot necessarily, but it is direct. It depends on your tone. In a job interview, it's professional. Between friends, it can be playful or serious.
Yes! You can 'feel a car at the tooth' to mean you are testing it thoroughly.
'Verhoren' is the formal, legal word for interrogation. 'Aan de tand voelen' is the idiomatic, more common way to say it.
Yes, 'voelen' is a regular verb. For example: 'Ik voel', 'jij voelt', 'wij voelden', 'ik heb gevoeld'.
Yes, it is common in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
Related Phrases
iemand het vuur aan de schenen leggen
similarTo put someone under great pressure.
iemand uithoren
similarTo pump someone for information.
met de mond vol tanden staan
contrastTo be speechless.
iemand verhoren
specialized formTo interrogate (formally).
