Dutch expressions: how is an 'ei' (egg) used in the Dutch language?

In Dutch, people use many sayings and expressions. These are fixed phrases or words with a figurative meaning. That means you should not take them literally.

For example, when someone says "dat is appeltje-eitje" (that's apples-to-apples), it is not about food. It means that something is very easy.

Sayings and expressions are common because people used to speak a lot in images and examples from everyday life, such as food, work and nature. This made language more vivid and easier to remember.

Even today, expressions are important in Dutch culture. They make conversations more personal, clearer and sometimes funnier. That is why you often hear them in conversations, at work and in the media.

The word "ei" (egg) often appears in Dutch expressions and proverbs. An egg used to be a common and inexpensive food that almost everyone knew.

The egg also often symbolises new beginnings and change. Therefore, an "ei" (egg) is widely used in language to explain feelings, situations or ideas.

Below you will find common Dutch expressions with "ei" (egg), with explanations and examples.

Een ei is een ei (an egg is an egg)

You use this for a situation where something is just what it is, without additional explanation or discussion.

Example: Rules are rules. An egg is an egg.

Op eieren lopen (walking on eggs)

You say this in a situation where people are very careful because everything is sensitive.

Example: After the argument at work, everyone walks on eggshells.

Daar leg ik geen eieren onder (I am not laying eggs under that)

You use this when someone does not trust something or does not believe something.

Example: That story sounds strange. I am not laying eggs under that.

Met een ei zitten (stuck with an egg)

You say this about someone who has a problem or does not know what to do.

Example: I am stuck with an egg because I do not know what to choose.

Alles is koek en ei (everything is cake and egg)

You use this for a situation where everything is going well.

Example: At work, everything is cake and egg.

Hij is een blij ei (he is a happy egg)

You say this about someone who is cheerful and positive.

Example: He is always smiling. He is really a happy egg.

Het ei is gelegd (the egg is laid)

You use this for a situation where a decision has been made and the plan is clear.

Example: After talking for a long time, the egg is finally laid.

Mijn ei is uit (my egg is out)

You say this when someone is done with something or has had enough.

Example: After three meetings, my egg is out.

Hij kan zijn ei niet kwijt (he cannot lay his egg)

You use this for someone who finds it hard to express their ideas or opinions.

Example: In the group, he cannot express himself.

Hij heeft zijn eieren verloren (he has lost his eggs)

You use this for someone who has lost their courage or strength. That person no longer dares to stand up properly for themselves, often after an unpleasant experience.

Example: After the criticism, he dares not say anything. He has lost his eggs.

Wie veel eieren heeft, die maakt veel doppen (he who has many eggs, makes many shells)

You say this about someone who does a lot and therefore makes mistakes. Mistakes are part of being active.

Example: He works hard and sometimes makes mistakes. He who has many eggs makes many shells.

Hij komt met zout als het ei op is (he comes with salt when the egg runs out)

This is what you say about someone who comes late with help or advice.

Example: Now that the problem is already over, he offers help. He comes with salt when the egg runs out.

Als een ei zonder zout (like an egg without salt)

You use this for a situation or something that is boring or tasteless.

Example: The movie was long and boring, really like an egg without salt.

Je moet niet al je eieren in 1 mandje leggen (you should not put all your eggs in 1 basket)

This means that you should not bet everything on one chance because then you can lose everything at once.

Example: Find more jobs. You should not put all your eggs in one basket.

Nog een eitje in de ketel hebben (have another egg in the kettle)

You use this when someone has something extra in reserve for later.

Example: Do not worry, I have another egg in the kettle.

In een ei leven (living in an egg)

You say this about someone who lives in a safe, protected situation and has few problems.

Example: He knows little about worry; he lives in an egg.