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er macht sich vom Acker

English translation: to leave // to clear the field

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:sich vom Acker machen
English translation:to leave // to clear the field
Entered by: Roland Grefer

00:00 Sep 2, 2001
German to English translations [Non-PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
German term or phrase: er macht sich vom Acker
none
Tan
he leaves
Explanation:
More literally "he clears the field", which actually comes pretty close to the origin of this phrase. Originally used in competitive context, one of the contenders was leaving the acre (the land) on which the competition took place, thus clearing the area off his presence, so that the winner may enjoy the celebration.
Selected response from:

Roland Grefer
Local time: 08:59
Grading comment
Thanks
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
na +1he's off
Ralf Lemster
nahe clears the field
Klaus Dorn (X)
nahe leaves
Roland Grefer


  

Answers


37 mins peer agreement (net): +1
he's off


Explanation:
"er macht sich vom Acker" is slang for someone who's getting on his way

Ralf Lemster
Germany
Local time: 14:59
Native speaker of: German

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Mats Wiman
2 hrs
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3 hrs
he clears the field


Explanation:
The "acker" in this context is some area of activity, for example, two men in a bar trying to chat up the same woman, one surrenders and "clears the field".

Klaus Dorn (X)
Local time: 15:59
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in GermanGerman
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4 hrs
he leaves


Explanation:
More literally "he clears the field", which actually comes pretty close to the origin of this phrase. Originally used in competitive context, one of the contenders was leaving the acre (the land) on which the competition took place, thus clearing the area off his presence, so that the winner may enjoy the celebration.

Roland Grefer
Local time: 08:59
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
Grading comment
Thanks
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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