PhrasesHub

My old Dutch

    Definitions

      • friend or mate
        Referring to a close friend or companion, often in a lighthearted or affectionate manner

      • trouble or difficulty
        Describing a challenging or problematic situation, often with a sense of frustration or resignation

    Examples of My old Dutch

    • When I was a child, my grandmother used to say, "Eat your vegetables, my old Dutch will come out and grab you!"

      This idiom means someone's inner strength or willpower will come out if they are not following rules or doing what they are told. It is a playful way of encouraging children to eat their vegetables, implying that they will become strong and determined if they do so.

    • The project was delayed due to unexpected challenges, but the team refused to give up. Our old Dutch kicked in, and we pulled through in the end.

      This idiom refers to a person's inner strength and determination, which can help them push through difficult situations. It is used when someone shows perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

    • The sales figures for the first quarter exceeded our targets. Our old Dutch couldn't be more proud!

      This idiom is used to express pride or satisfaction in someone or something's achievements. It can also be seen as a lighthearted way to acknowledge the hard work and effort that goes into success.

    • Despite the heavy rain, the park was still packed with people. The old Dutch spirit prevailed!

      This idiom refers to the determination and courage to face harsh or challenging circumstances. In this context, it signifies that people still showed up to the park, despite the rain, because they had the courage and determination to face the weather.

    • "I've had enough of your nonsense. My old Dutch tells me it's time to hit the road."

      This idiom is used to indicate that someone has had enough of something or someone's behavior. "My old Dutch" is a humorous way of saying "my better judgment," and is meant to convey the idea that it's time to take action based on common sense. In this example, the speaker is saying that they've heard enough of the other person's foolishness and it's time to leave.

    • "I spent hours trying to figure out the answer, but my old Dutch told me to look it up online."

      This idiom is used to suggest that someone should use a more practical approach to solving a problem. "My old Dutch" is once again slang for common sense, and the idea is that sometimes it's better to rely on readily available resources than to waste time and energy trying to do something the hard way. In this example, the speaker realized that it would be more efficient to simply search for the answer online instead of struggling to figure it out themselves.

    • "I used to think that this project was a good idea, but my old Dutch is telling me otherwise."

      This idiom highlights the value of listening to one's intuition. "My old Dutch" is a playful way of saying one's instincts or gut feelings, and this example suggests that the speaker has realized that their initial thoughts about the project may have been misguided. They acknowledge that there is reason to doubt the viability of the project and are recommending that they reconsider their approach.

    • "I know it's hard to give up smoking, but my old Dutch says it's for the best."

      This idiom supports the idea that taking action for one's health and well-being is a smart decision. "My old Dutch" is a lighthearted way of saying that it's rational to make a difficult choice when it will benefit one's health. In this example, the speaker is suggesting that while it may be tough to quit smoking, the benefits of doing so outweigh the difficulties.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "My old Dutch" can be used to refer to a friend or companion, as well as to describe a troublesome situation.

    Origin of "My old Dutch"

    The origin of the idiom "My old Dutch" can be traced back to Cockney rhyming slang, a form of slang that originated in the East End of London. In this type of slang, words or phrases are substituted with rhyming words or phrases, with the intended word or phrase typically omitted. In the case of "My old Dutch," the full phrase is "My old Dutch plate," with "plate" rhyming with "mate." Over time, the rhyming part of the phrase was dropped, leaving "My old Dutch" to simply mean "mate" or "friend" in Cockney slang.

    The idiom gained popularity outside of London due to its use in various media, such as literature and film, and eventually became more widely recognized as a term for a friend or companion. Its use to describe a troublesome situation may stem from the association of friends being sources of support and comfort during difficult times.