bijl aan de wortel

== Dutch == === Etymology === Literally, “axe at the root”. Calque of Koine Greek ἀξίνη πρὸς τὴν ῥίζαν (axínē pròs tḕn rhízan). From a saying by John the Baptist in Matthew 3, 10 and Luke 3, 9, apparently deriving from a Q Vorlage in Greek. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbɛi̯l aːn də ˈʋɔr.təl/ === Noun === bijl aan de wortel f (plural bijlen aan de wortel, no diminutive) a looming, fundamental threat Synonym: zwaard van Damocles (less common) a radical solution that ends something ==== Usage notes ==== Generally used in the singular with the definite article, though other constructions are attested. Commonly used with the verbs liggen and leggen.