„Er hat ihm den Garaus gemacht."
He finished (killed, ruined) him.
What does „Er hat ihm den Garaus gemacht." mean in German?
„Er hat ihm den Garaus gemacht." means "He finished (killed, ruined) him.." Literally: "He made the death-blow to him.."
Literal Translation
"He made the death-blow to him."
English Equivalent
"He did him in."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'den Garaus machen' = to finish off
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
„Es ist noch nicht aller Tage Abend."
Don't crow too soon. He laughs best who laughs last.
„Der Brief ist mir abhanden gekommen."
I have mislaid (lost) the letter.
„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.
