Language is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it is also about the unique phrases and idiomatic expressions that are ingrained in the culture of its speakers. Dutch, as a language rich in history and culture, has no shortage of such colorful idiomatic expressions. Understanding these idioms can offer insights into Dutch humor, values, and historical context. Here are some Dutch idiomatic expressions and their origins:

Daar komt de aap uit de mouw
This phrase translates to “there comes the monkey out of the sleeve” and is used when a hidden motive or truth is revealed. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to date back to the times when street performers used to hide monkeys in their clothing as a surprise element in their acts.
Toen zij eindelijk toegaf waarom ze zo boos was, kwam de aap uit de mouw.

Als haringen in een ton
Literally meaning “like herrings in a barrel,” this phrase describes a situation where people are crammed together in a small space. It originates from the way herrings were packed tightly in barrels for preservation and storage.
We zaten als haringen in een ton in de bus tijdens het spitsuur.

Met de deur in huis vallen
This expression, meaning “to fall with the door into the house,” is used when someone gets straight to the point without any preliminaries. Historically, people would enter homes through a front garden or an antechamber. Therefore, to enter directly into the main room was seen as abrupt and possibly rude.
Ik val even met de deur in huis: heb je mijn bericht ontvangen?

Iets voor een appel en een ei kopen
To buy something “for an apple and an egg” means to purchase it at a very low price, much like the English “for a song.” The expression dates back to when these foods were considered to be of the lowest cost, and hence represent the idea of buying something very cheaply.
Ik heb deze antieke tafel voor een appel en een ei gekocht op de rommelmarkt.

De draak met iemand steken
The phrase “to joust with someone” or “to poke the dragon” is a way to describe making fun of someone or not taking them seriously. It harkens back to medieval times and the act of knights playfully sparring with each other or with a model of a dragon during festivals.
Hij is altijd de draak met mij aan het steken, maar ik weet dat het goedbedoeld is.

Het regent pijpenstelen
If “it’s raining stair-rods,” one implies that it’s raining very hard or heavily. Stair-rods used to secure a carpet to a staircase, which are long and straight, are akin to the heavy, straight downpour of rain sometimes seen in the Netherlands.
Neem een paraplu mee als je naar buiten gaat; het regent pijpenstelen!

Er geen gras over laten groeien
This expression means “to let no grass grow over it,” which is akin to not wasting any time. Historically, action needed to be taken on certain issues before grass could grow over a path, implying the need for prompt action.
Nadat hij het jobaanbod kreeg, heeft hij er geen gras over laten groeien en onmiddellijk geaccepteerd.

Understanding Dutch idiomatic expressions not only helps non-native speakers sound more like a local but also provides a window into the Dutch way of life. Learning how and when to use these expressions can add great color and depth to one’s competence in the language. Practice incorporating these idioms into everyday conversations and enjoy the process of delving deeper into the rich tapestry of the Dutch language and culture.