Significado
To wait and see before taking action.
Contexto cultural
Reflects the 'Poldermodel' where consensus and careful observation are valued over individual impulsive action. Also very common in Flanders, often used to describe the 'bescheiden' (modest) nature of Flemish people in new social settings. In Dutch business, 'de kat uit de boom kijken' is not seen as a weakness but as a sign of a 'bezonnen' (well-considered) professional. Used to describe 'lurkers'—people who read but don't post in a group chat.
Use 'even'
Adding 'even' (Ik kijk even de kat uit de boom) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't overstay
If you 'de kat uit de boom kijken' for too long, people might think you are bored or arrogant.
Significado
To wait and see before taking action.
Use 'even'
Adding 'even' (Ik kijk even de kat uit de boom) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't overstay
If you 'de kat uit de boom kijken' for too long, people might think you are bored or arrogant.
Social Acceptance
In the Netherlands, it is perfectly acceptable to admit you are doing this. It's seen as honest self-reflection.
Teste-se
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Je bent op een nieuw werkfeestje en je kent niemand.
The correct form is 'de kat uit de boom kijken'.
Fill in the missing verb.
Hij ______ eerst de kat uit de boom voordat hij een beslissing neemt.
The idiom always uses the verb 'kijken'.
Match the situation to the behavior.
Situatie: De aandelenmarkt is erg onrustig en niemand weet wat er gaat gebeuren.
When things are uncertain, people wait and observe.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosJe bent op een nieuw werkfeestje en je kent niemand.
The correct form is 'de kat uit de boom kijken'.
Hij ______ eerst de kat uit de boom voordat hij een beslissing neemt.
The idiom always uses the verb 'kijken'.
Situatie: De aandelenmarkt is erg onrustig en niemand weet wat er gaat gebeuren.
When things are uncertain, people wait and observe.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasNo, it is generally neutral. It describes a cautious but sensible approach to new situations.
Only if a cat is literally in a tree, but even then, people will think you are making a joke.
Ik keek de kat uit de boom (singular) or Wij keken de kat uit de boom (plural).
Yes, very frequently to describe market observation or waiting for more data.
Frases relacionadas
De boot afhouden
similarTo keep someone at a distance / to stall
Eerst zien, dan geloven
similarSeeing is believing
Met de deur in huis vallen
contrastTo get straight to the point
De situatie peilen
synonymTo gauge the situation
