bijl aan de wortel

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.

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɛi̯l aːn də ˈʋɔr.təl/

bijl aan de wortel f (plural bijlen aan de wortel)

1. a looming, fundamental threat

   Synonym: zwaard van Damocles

2. (less common) a radical solution that ends something

Generally used in the singular with the definite article, though other constructions are attested. Commonly used with the verbs liggen and leggen.