Dutch

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Etymology

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Compound of doven (to extinguish) +‎ pot (pot).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈdoːf.pɔt/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: doof‧pot

Noun

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doofpot m (plural doofpotten, diminutive doofpotje n)

  1. an old-fashioned metal canister with a tight lid, in which remaining coals and other fuel were put to die down.
  2. a metaphorical place to put ideas or facts that one wishes to keep out of the public discussion, e.g. in an attempt to evade penalties; (metonymically) cover-up
    De onderzoeksresultaten eindigden in de doofpot
    The results of the investigation were eventually covered up.

Derived terms

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