Etwas auf dem Kerbholz haben
To have something on one's record; to have a blot on one's copybook
In German
Etwas auf dem Kerbholz haben
Literal Translation
Meaning
Equivalent:"To have a blot on one's copybook; to have a record"
Origin:This idiom refers to the historical use of tally sticks ('Kerbholz') for accounting or recording debts. Each notch on the stick represented a debt or transgression. Thus, having something 'on the tally stick' means having a negative record.
Example Sentences
Example Sentences- 1
Der Politiker hat einige Skandale auf dem Kerbholz.
The politician has some scandals on his record.
- 2
Er hat schon viel auf dem Kerbholz, niemand vertraut ihm mehr.
He has a lot on his record, no one trusts him anymore.
FAQ
How do you say "To have something on one's record; to have a blot on one's copybook" in German?
"To have something on one's record; to have a blot on one's copybook" in German is "Etwas auf dem Kerbholz haben" (ˈɛtvas aʊ̯f deːm ˈkɛʁphɔlt͡s ˈhabn̩). Example: Der Politiker hat einige Skandale auf dem Kerbholz..
