zijn mannetje staan
Dutch
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Literally, “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.
Conjugation
[edit]Conjugation of zijn mannetje staan: see hebben.