zoetjes aan

Dutch

Alternative forms

• zoetjes an, zoetjesaan, zoetjesan

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Phrase

zoetjes aan

1. (idiomatic) Indicates that it is getting time to do something, especially after a lot of time has already passed unnoticed.

   We gaan zo zoetjes aan eens beginnen. ― Let's finally be getting started. (literally, “It's looking to be time for us to start.”)

   Het is zoetjes aan tijd voor ons om naar huis te gaan. ― We'd better head home. (literally, “It is gradually becoming time for us to go home.”)

Usage notes

• Often, but not always, preceded by zo.
• Somewhat similar in use to langzamerhand.