Neergeklapt

Neergeklapt is a Dutch term used as both an adjective and the past participle of the verb neerklappen. It denotes something that has been folded down, lowered, or closed by a flipping or snapping action. The word is commonly applied to hinged or foldable parts such as lids, flaps, doors, seats, or tailgates, describing their state after they have been moved into a lowered position. For example, a lid or tailgate can be neergeklapt, meaning it is in the down position.

In addition to its literal use, neergeklapt can be employed figuratively to refer to plans, proposals, or statements that have been withdrawn, rejected, or put aside. For instance, a proposal might be described as neergeklapt if it was dropped from consideration.

Etymology and formation: neer- is a prefix meaning down or downward, and klappen means to clap, flip, or fold down. The compound conveys the action of bringing something down into a lowered position. The past participle neergeklapt is used both predicatively (the lid is neergeklapt) and attributively (een neergeklapte klep).

Usage notes: Neergeklapt is a neutral descriptive term in most contexts. It is related to antonyms such as opklappen (to lift up) and omhoogklappen (to flip upward). While primarily mechanical or physical in its sense, the term’s figurative use is common in everyday Dutch to describe plans or arguments that have been closed off or dismissed.