The Vocabulary of Settled Things

Beschlossene Sache — a decided matter. It is no longer open.

Unter Dach und Fach — under roof and in its compartment, that is, safely inside the building. The work is finished.

In trockenen Tüchern — in dry cloths. The matter is safely concluded.

Festschreiben — to write something down so that it is fixed.

Nägel mit Köpfen machen — to make nails with heads. Do it properly, so that it holds.

Der Drops ist gelutscht — the sweet has been sucked. It is over and decided.

Ein Paket wieder aufschnüren — to untie a package again. In politics, it means reopening an agreed compromise, and it is almost always said as a warning.

Rolle rückwärts — a backward roll. The press uses it, usually with mockery, for a politician who reverses a decision.

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