nichts anbrennen lassen
German
Etymology
Literally: “not to allow anything to get burnt [in the pan]”. Plausibly from the idea of a cook who is preparing several dishes at the same time, so they must keep an eye on all pots and pans and not restrict their attention to any single one of them. Also said to be from the stirring of a pot’s contents, which keeps everything in motion and prevents it from burning.
Pronunciation
Audio: (file)
Verb
- (informal) To play the field; to have several romantic relations at the same time; to take every chance that presents itself.
Conjugation
- See lassen.