dutch

*in Dutch (with someone)

in trouble with someone. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) I'm in Dutch with my parents for my low grades. You're in Dutch quite often, it seems.

double Dutch 

1. language or speech that is difficult or impossible to understand. This book on English grammar is written in double Dutch. I can't understand a word. Try to find a lecturer who speaks slowly, not one who speaks double Dutch.

2. a game of jumping rope using two ropes swung simultaneously in opposite directions. The girls were playing double Dutch in the schoolyard.

See also: double

Dutch auction

an auction or sale that starts off with a high asking price that is then reduced until a buyer is found. (Viewed by some as insulting to the Dutch.) Dutch auctions are rare—most auctioneers start with a lower price than they hope to obtain. My real estate agent advised me to ask a reasonable price for my house rather than get involved with a Dutch auction.

See also: auction

Dutch courage

unusual or artificial courage arising from the influence of alcohol. (Viewed by some as insulting to the Dutch.) It was Dutch courage that made the football fan attack the policeman. It will take a bit of Dutch courage to make an after-dinner speech.

See also: courage

Dutch treat

a social occasion where one pays for oneself. (Viewed by some as insulting to the Dutch.) "It's nice of you to ask me out to dinner," she said, "but could we make it a Dutch treat?" The office outing is always a Dutch treat.

See also: treat

Dutch uncle

a man who gives frank and direct advice to someone. (In the way an uncle might, but not a real relative.) I would not have to lecture you like a Dutch uncle if you were not so extravagant. He acts more like a Dutch uncle than a husband. He's forever telling her what to do in public.

See also: uncle

go Dutch

[for each person in a pair or a group] to pay for himself or herself. I don't want you to pay for my ticket. Let's go Dutch. Is it still considered a date if you go Dutch?

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a Dutch treat

an occasion when two or more people agree to share the cost of something, especially a meal She and Callahan often met for lunch. It was always a Dutch treat.

See also: treat

double Dutch  (British & Australian)

speech or writing that is nonsense and cannot be understood He came out with a load of sophisticated grammatical codes and it all sounded like double Dutch.

See also: double

Dutch courage  (humorous)

the confidence that you get by drinking alcohol before you do something that you are frightened of doing He had another drink to give him Dutch courage for what he might find at home.

See also: courage

go Dutch

to share the cost of something, especially a meal 'Will you let me take you out tonight?' 'As long as we go Dutch.'