A2Emotions

Jemandem einen Korb geben

To reject someone's romantic advances or proposal

In German

Jemandem einen Korb geben

YAY-man-dem ine KORB GAY-ben

Literal Translation

To give someone a basket

Meaning

To reject someone's romantic advances or proposal.

Equivalent:"To turn someone down / to reject someone"

Origin:This idiom dates back to medieval times. A suitor would present a 'basket' to his beloved, often with gifts. If she accepted, she would pull him up into her window with a rope. If she rejected him, she would pull up an empty, bottomless basket, symbolizing his hopes falling through.

Example Sentences

1
Er hat ihr einen Heiratsantrag gemacht, aber sie hat ihm einen Korb gegeben.
He proposed to her, but she turned him down.
2
Ich habe ihn um ein Date gebeten, aber er hat mir einen Korb gegeben.
I asked him out on a date, but he rejected me.

FAQ

How do you say "To reject someone's romantic advances or proposal" in German?

"To reject someone's romantic advances or proposal" in German is "Jemandem einen Korb geben" (YAY-man-dem ine KORB GAY-ben). Example: Er hat ihr einen Heiratsantrag gemacht, aber sie hat ihm einen Korb gegeben..

To have a pounding heart because of nerves, excitement or being in love

Herzklopfen haben

HAIR-ts-klop-fen HAH-ben

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 feel deep sympathy, sorrow, or pity for someone or something

Jemandem blutet das Herz

YAY-man-dem BLU-tet das HAIR-ts

To scare someone stiff; to make someone's hair stand on end (from fear or shock)

Einem die Haare zu Berge stehen

INE-em dee HAA-re tsoo BER-ge SHTAY-en