Significado
To do everything possible to succeed.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch have a 'poldermodel' mentality, which involves collective effort and consensus. 'Alle zeilen bijzetten' often implies that everyone in a group needs to contribute to the maximum. Because the Netherlands is largely below sea level, water management is a constant 'all hands on deck' situation. This idiom reflects that perpetual state of readiness. In Dutch offices, being 'nuchter' (down-to-earth) is valued. Using this idiom shows you are serious about work without being overly emotional or dramatic. Dutch sports fans often use maritime metaphors to describe the national football team (Oranje). When they play poorly, fans say they need to 'set all sails'.
Use it in Job Applications
Using this phrase in a cover letter shows you have a good grasp of idiomatic Dutch and a strong work ethic.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to move 'bij' to the end in simple sentences. 'Ik zet alle zeilen bij' is correct; 'Ik bijzet alle zeilen' is wrong.
Significado
To do everything possible to succeed.
Use it in Job Applications
Using this phrase in a cover letter shows you have a good grasp of idiomatic Dutch and a strong work ethic.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to move 'bij' to the end in simple sentences. 'Ik zet alle zeilen bij' is correct; 'Ik bijzet alle zeilen' is wrong.
The 'Nuchter' Factor
While the phrase is strong, the Dutch value modesty. Don't brag about 'setting all sails' every single day, or it loses its impact.
Teste-se
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'bijzetten' in.
We hebben gisteren alle zeilen _______ om de deadline te halen.
In de voltooid tegenwoordige tijd (hebben + ...) wordt het 'bijgezet'.
Wat is de betekenis van 'alle zeilen bijzetten'?
De directeur zei: 'We moeten alle zeilen bijzetten.'
De uitdrukking is figuurlijk en betekent maximale inspanning.
Maak de zin af in dit gesprek.
A: 'Het examen is echt heel moeilijk!' B: 'Ik weet het, we moeten echt _______.'
Dit is de vaste vorm van het idioom.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'alle zeilen bijzetten'?
Kies de beste situatie:
De uitdrukking past bij situaties van grote inspanning en druk.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosWe hebben gisteren alle zeilen _______ om de deadline te halen.
In de voltooid tegenwoordige tijd (hebben + ...) wordt het 'bijgezet'.
De directeur zei: 'We moeten alle zeilen bijzetten.'
De uitdrukking is figuurlijk en betekent maximale inspanning.
A: 'Het examen is echt heel moeilijk!' B: 'Ik weet het, we moeten echt _______.'
Dit is de vaste vorm van het idioom.
Kies de beste situatie:
De uitdrukking past bij situaties van grote inspanning en druk.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it can be used for anything requiring effort: sports, school, or even personal projects like gardening or moving house.
Usually, you need a subject and an auxiliary verb: 'Er zijn alle zeilen bijgezet' (Every effort was made).
It is written as one word: 'bijzetten'.
Not at all. It is used daily in newspapers, on TV, and in offices.
'Hard werken' is just the action. 'Alle zeilen bijzetten' implies a specific goal, a challenge, or a deadline.
It's a bit clinical for romance, but you could say it if you are both working hard to save a relationship: 'We moeten alle zeilen bijzetten voor onze relatie.'
'Zeilen' is already the plural of 'zeil' (sail). In this idiom, it is always plural.
Use: 'Ik heb alle zeilen bijgezet.'
No, it sounds determined and professional.
Only if you are being sarcastic. Otherwise, it sounds like you are overreacting.
Frases relacionadas
alles op alles zetten
synonymTo do everything possible to achieve a goal.
alles uit de kast halen
similarTo pull out all the stops / use all resources.
een tandje bijzetten
builds onTo work a bit harder.
de schouders eronder zetten
similarTo work hard together on a task.
gas geven
similarTo speed up / work faster.
