„Der hat sich einen Bären angebunden."
He has run into debt.
What does „Der hat sich einen Bären angebunden." mean in German?
„Der hat sich einen Bären angebunden." means "He has run into debt.." Literally: "He has tied himself a bear.."
Literal Translation
"He has tied himself a bear."
English Equivalent
"He's gotten himself into debt."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Reflexive dative; idiomatic expression
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.
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Related Idioms
„Sie haben ihm zur Ader gelassen."
They have bled him.
„Er hat sein Geld gut angelegt."
He has invested his money well.
„Er hat mit 40 Prozent Bankerott gemacht."
He went bankrupt and paid forty cents on the dollar.
„Ich bezahle stets bar."
I always pay cash.
„Es fehlt ihm an Geld."
He is short of cash.
„Es ist noch nicht aller Tage Abend."
Don't crow too soon. He laughs best who laughs last.
