zoetjes aan

== Dutch == === Alternative forms === zoetjes an, zoetjesaan, zoetjesan === Etymology === (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) === Phrase === zoetjes aan (idiomatic) Indicates that it is getting time to do something, especially after a lot of time has already passed unnoticed. We gaan zo zoetjes aan eens beginnen. ― Let's finally be getting started. (literally, “It's looking to be time for us to start.”) Het is zoetjes aan tijd voor ons om naar huis te gaan. ― We'd better head home. (literally, “It is gradually becoming time for us to go home.”) ==== Usage notes ==== Often, but not always, preceded by zo. Somewhat similar in use to langzamerhand.