„Sie haben ihm zur Ader gelassen."
They have bled him.
What does „Sie haben ihm zur Ader gelassen." mean in German?
„Sie haben ihm zur Ader gelassen." means "They have bled him.." Literally: "They let him at the vein.."
Literal Translation
"They let him at the vein."
English Equivalent
"They bled him dry."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'zur Ader lassen' = to bleed (medical/financial)
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
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Test your knowledge of Sie haben ihm zur Ader gelassen.
Related Idioms
„Der hat sich einen Bären angebunden."
He has run into debt.
„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.
