bijl aan de wortel
Dutch
editEtymology
editLiterally, “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
editNoun
editbijl 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
editGenerally used in the singular with the definite article, though other constructions are attested. Commonly used with the verbs liggen and leggen.