zijn mannetje staan
Dutch
editEtymology
editLiterally, “to stand his man”, a reference to the steadfastness (and manliness) of the person being referred to.
Verb
edit- (idiomatic, intransitive) to be assertive, hold one's own
Usage notes
edit- Mostly used of men, mannetje being the diminutive of man. The feminine counterpart haar vrouwtje staan is vanishingly rare.
Inflection
editConjugation of zijn mannetje staan: see hebben.