„Der Brief ist mir abhanden gekommen."
I have mislaid (lost) the letter.
What does „Der Brief ist mir abhanden gekommen." mean in German?
„Der Brief ist mir abhanden gekommen." means "I have mislaid (lost) the letter.." Literally: "The letter came away from my hands.."
Literal Translation
"The letter came away from my hands."
English Equivalent
"The letter has gone missing on me."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Dative of disadvantage (mir); 'abhanden kommen' = to get lost
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Es ist noch nicht aller Tage Abend."
Don't crow too soon. He laughs best who laughs last.
„Wer abhebt, gibt nicht."
The person who cuts does not deal.
„Sie sieht ihm alles an den Augen ab."
She anticipates his every wish.
„Man speiste ihn mit leeren Worten ab."
He was put off with fine speeches.
„Sie haben ihm zur Ader gelassen."
They have bled him.
„Er hat sich einen Affen gekauft."
He has a jag on.
