„Ich strecke mich nach der Decke."
I cut my coat according to my cloth.
What does „Ich strecke mich nach der Decke." mean in German?
„Ich strecke mich nach der Decke." means "I cut my coat according to my cloth.." Literally: "I stretch myself according to the blanket.."
Literal Translation
"I stretch myself according to the blanket."
English Equivalent
"I live within my means."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Proverb about living within means
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in everyday spoken German in casual and semi-formal settings.
Related Words
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Related Idioms
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
„Es drückt mir das Herz ab."
It breaks my heart.