de aap komt uit de mouw
Dutch edit
Etymology edit
Literally, “the monkey comes out of the sleeve”; it likely originated from the use of trained monkeys by performers.
Pronunciation edit
Proverb edit
- The truth is revealed; a former secret has become known; often in relation to something shameful or furtive activity.
Usage notes edit
Often used with nu or daar in the first position: nu komt de aap uit de mouw; daar komt de aap uit de mouw.
Descendants edit
- Afrikaans: die aap kom uit die mou