“Zij krijgen de omsingeling op hun brood” is a Dutch expression that roughly translates to “they’re getting the squeeze on their bread.” This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is feeling overwhelmed or under pressure.
The origin of this expression is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of being surrounded or encircled, much like a sandwich is enclosed by two slices of bread. When someone is said to be “getting the squeeze on their bread,” it means they are feeling trapped or suffocated by their circumstances.
This expression can be used in a variety of contexts, both in personal and professional situations. For example, someone might use it to describe a friend who is feeling overwhelmed by their workload at work, or a student who is struggling to keep up with their studies.
In a more literal sense, “zij krijgen de omsingeling op hun brood” could also refer to someone who is facing financial difficulties or other external pressures that are making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
Overall, this expression serves as a colorful and relatable way to describe feeling overwhelmed or besieged by challenges. It captures the feeling of being trapped or surrounded, much like a sandwich that is pressed together with its filling inside. So the next time you feel like you’re getting the squeeze on your bread, remember that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed – sometimes we all need a little extra support to help us through tough times.