doolhof

Dutch

Etymology

From dolen (to wander, err) +‎ hof (court, garden).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈdoːlɦɔf/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: dool‧hof

Noun

doolhof m or n (plural doolhoven, diminutive doolhofje n)

  1. a maze, labyrinth
  2. (figuratively) any similarly complex and/or confusing construction, lay-out, situation etc.
    Wie vindt z'n weg nog in de doolhof van wetten?
    Who still finds his way through the maze of legislation?

Derived terms

  • doolhofsgewijs

Descendants

  • Indonesian: taman sesat (calque)