A2Informal

Etwas in trockenen Tüchern haben

To have something in the bag; to have something secured

In German

Etwas in trockenen Tüchern haben

ˈɛtvas ɪn ˈtʁɔkənən ˈtyːçɐn ˈhabn̩

Literal Translation

To have something in dry cloths

Meaning

To have something in the bag; to have something secured

Equivalent:"To have something in the bag; to have something secured"

Origin:This idiom likely originates from the past when laundry was spread out to dry on 'Tücher' (cloths). If something was 'in trockenen Tüchern', it meant it was finished and ready for use. It also refers to babies being wrapped in dry cloths after bathing, symbolizing safety and completion.

Example Sentences

1
Der Vertrag ist endlich in trockenen Tüchern.
The contract is finally in the bag.
2
Erst wenn wir die Finanzierung in trockenen Tüchern haben, können wir starten.
Only when we have the financing secured can we start.

FAQ

How do you say "To have something in the bag; to have something secured" in German?

"To have something in the bag; to have something secured" in German is "Etwas in trockenen Tüchern haben" (ˈɛtvas ɪn ˈtʁɔkənən ˈtyːçɐn ˈhabn̩). Example: Der Vertrag ist endlich in trockenen Tüchern..

To sound someone out, to discreetly check someone's knowledge or intentions

Jemandem auf den Zahn fühlen

YE-man-dem owf den TSAHN FY-len

To have gotten out of bed on the wrong side, to be in a bad mood

Mit dem linken Fuß aufgestanden sein

mit dem LIN-ken FOOS OWF-ge-shtan-den zyn

To speak in private; to have a private conversation

Unter vier Augen sprechen

ˈʊntɐ fiːɐ̯ ˈaʊ̯ɡn̩ ˈʃpʁɛçn̩

A weight is lifted off someone's mind; to feel relieved

Jemandem fällt ein Stein vom Herzen

ˈjeːmandəm fɛlt aɪ̯n ʃtaɪ̯n fɔm ˈhɛʁt͡sn̩