de aap komt uit de mouw

Dutch

Etymology

Literally, “the monkey comes out of the sleeve”; it likely originated from the use of trained monkeys by performers.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /də ˈaːp ˈkɔmt œy̯t də ˈmɑu̯/

Proverb

de aap komt uit de mouw

  1. The truth is revealed; a former secret has become known; often in relation to something shameful or furtive activity.

Usage notes

Often used with nu or daar in the first position: nu komt de aap uit de mouw; daar komt de aap uit de mouw.

Descendants
  • Afrikaans: die aap kom uit die mou
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