and have the longest toes you can imagine

???

Howler monkeys?

I'm guessing that this is some Dutch colloquialism that doesn't translate.

I'm guessing that this is some Dutch colloquialism that doesn't translate.



I could have sworn that one existed in English too. Guess not. Don't you guys use the expression : "to step on one's toes" when you insult someone?
Over here we use the expression "to have long toes", and it means "to be easily offended". (it's obviously derived from the former expression)
Like you have to be *very* careful of what you say to those kind of people, because if there's *any* chance of them taking it the wrong way, they most likely will.

I really hate those kind of people. Taking themselves WAY too serious, and not an ounce of humour whatsoever.

I got what you meant right away. 'To have long toes' is not a usual saying (at least in the US), but 'stepping on someone's toes' is a common expression. I like the mental image of your expression. It's perfect.

-Zeke

That's very interesting. "Stepping on someone's toes" is a common expression, but yours is an interesting flip-side to it. I like that! (and no, I've never heard that part over here)

I like it. I've never heard it used in Canada, either.

Maybe you guys can all start using it from now on.

Come to think of it : maybe it's not even proper Dutch. It could be just the local dialect. Hmm, I'm in doubt now. (Over here, the dialects change considerably every 30km or so). I'm going to look this one up.

Been very busy today, but did manage to look it up : it's perfectly good Dutch, the expression is in the dictionary.
Phew...