de klok hebben horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt
Dutch
editEtymology
editLiterally “to have heard the clock strike but not know where the clapper hangs”.
Pronunciation
editVerb
editde klok hebben horen luiden maar niet weten waar de klepel hangt
- (idiomatic, intransitive) to think one has an understanding of something, but fail to grasp the full story, the real essence or meaning
Usage notes
editOften used with wel included in the first clause.