Meaning
Being realistic and sensible.
Cultural Background
This is the ultimate Dutch compliment. Being 'nuchter' (sober/down-to-earth) is seen as a national virtue, contrasting with perceived 'arrogance' in other cultures. While understood, Flemings might more often use 'met de voeten op de grond,' which sounds slightly softer and less 'Calvinistic' than the Dutch version. In meetings, this phrase is used to pivot from brainstorming to budgeting. It marks the transition from 'what if' to 'how much'. Parents use this to teach children modesty. It's part of the social education to not think you are 'better' than others.
Use 'Blijven'
If you want to give advice, use 'blijven staan' (stay standing). It sounds more natural than just 'staan'.
The Ultimate Compliment
If you want to make a Dutch person like you, tell them they seem like someone who stands with two legs on the ground.
Meaning
Being realistic and sensible.
Use 'Blijven'
If you want to give advice, use 'blijven staan' (stay standing). It sounds more natural than just 'staan'.
The Ultimate Compliment
If you want to make a Dutch person like you, tell them they seem like someone who stands with two legs on the ground.
Don't say 'feet'
Even though your brain wants to say 'voeten' because of English, stick to 'benen'!
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste werkwoord in.
Ondanks zijn succes ______ hij met twee benen op de grond.
The standard verb for this idiom is 'staan' (to stand).
Welk woord ontbreekt in deze uitdrukking?
Met twee ______ op de grond staan.
In Dutch, we use 'benen' (legs), not 'voeten' (feet) for this specific idiom.
In welke situatie gebruik je deze zin?
Zin: 'Laten we met twee benen op de grond blijven staan.'
The phrase is used to encourage realism and practicality.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik word morgen een wereldberoemde filmster!' B: 'Rustig maar, blijf ...'
B is giving advice to be realistic about a wild dream.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOndanks zijn succes ______ hij met twee benen op de grond.
The standard verb for this idiom is 'staan' (to stand).
Met twee ______ op de grond staan.
In Dutch, we use 'benen' (legs), not 'voeten' (feet) for this specific idiom.
Zin: 'Laten we met twee benen op de grond blijven staan.'
The phrase is used to encourage realism and practicality.
A: 'Ik word morgen een wereldberoemde filmster!' B: 'Rustig maar, blijf ...'
B is giving advice to be realistic about a wild dream.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, that's not an idiom. It would just mean you are literally hopping on one leg.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Twee benen' is slightly more common in speech.
Yes, you can say a company is 'met twee benen op de grond' if they are practical and not over-hyped.
It can be a bit sharp, like saying 'get real,' but usually it's seen as helpful advice.
Related Phrases
Nuchter zijn
similarTo be sober-minded or pragmatic.
Met je hoofd in de wolken
contrastTo have your head in the clouds.
Doe maar gewoon
builds onJust act normal.
Luchtkastelen bouwen
contrastBuilding castles in the air.
