bijl aan de wortel
Dutch
Etymology
Literally, “axe at the root”. Calque of Koine Greek ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν (axínē pròs tḕn rhízan). From a saying by John the Baptist in Matthew 3, 10 and Luke 3, 9, apparently deriving from a Q Vorlage in Greek.
Pronunciation
Noun
bijl aan de wortel f (plural bijlen aan de wortel)
Usage notes
Generally used in the singular with the definite article, though other constructions are attested. Commonly used with the verbs liggen and leggen.