was das Zeug hält

German

Alternative forms

  • was das Zeug hielt (optionally when referring to the past)

Etymology

Literally, “what[ever] the gear endures”. Likely referring to sails (Zeug meaning “fabric”), harnesses (cf. Zaumzeug), or the like.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /vas das ˈtsɔʏ̯k hɛlt/, (northern also) /... ˈtsɔʏ̯ç hɛlt/

Phrase

was das Zeug hält

  1. (informal) intensely, for all one is worth, as much as possible
    Wir mussten ziehen, was das Zeug hält.
    We had to pull for all we were worth.
    Die Kinder toben herum, was das Zeug hält.
    The children are jumping about like crazy.
    Die Firma entlässt Mitarbeiter, was das Zeug hält.
    The company dismisses as many employees as possible.
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