„Man weiß nicht, wo man ihn anfassen soll."
He is a difficult man to deal with.
What does „Man weiß nicht, wo man ihn anfassen soll." mean in German?
„Man weiß nicht, wo man ihn anfassen soll." means "He is a difficult man to deal with.." Literally: "One doesn't know where to grab him.."
Literal Translation
"One doesn't know where to grab him."
English Equivalent
"You don't know how to handle him."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'anfassen' = to grab/touch; figurative
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
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Related Idioms
„Die Sache hat einen Haken."
It is not as easy as it looks.
„Er sitzt in der Klemme."
He is in a tight place.
„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.
