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bijl aan de wortel. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
bijl aan de wortel, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
bijl aan de wortel in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
bijl aan de wortel you have here. The definition of the word
bijl aan de wortel will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
bijl aan de wortel, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Dutch
Etymology
Literally, “axe at the root”. Calque of Koine Greek ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν (axínē pròs tḕn rhízan). From a saying by John the Baptist in Matthew 3, 10 and Luke 3, 9, apparently deriving from a Q Vorlage in Greek.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈbɛi̯l aːn də ˈʋɔr.təl/
Noun
bijl aan de wortel f (plural bijlen aan de wortel)
- a looming, fundamental threat
- Synonym: zwaard van Damocles
- (less common) a radical solution that ends something
Usage notes
Generally used in the singular with the definite article, though other constructions are attested. Commonly used with the verbs liggen and leggen.