bijl aan de wortel
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Dutch
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Literally, “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
[edit]Noun
[edit]bijl 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
[edit]Generally used in the singular with the definite article, though other constructions are attested. Commonly used with the verbs liggen and leggen.