doorslaan

Doorslaan is a Dutch verb with both a literal and a figurative sense. Literally, it refers to forcing a barrier through or striking it with force, most commonly a door or other screen. Figuratively, the expression denotes achieving a breakthrough or gaining significant traction, for example when a plan, movement, or campaign breaks through resistance or becomes widely accepted.

Etymology and usage notes. Doorslaan is formed from the elements door (through) and slaan (to strike). This combination reflects the idea of forcing passage through a barrier. In everyday language the literal sense is usually expressed with phrases like de deur slaat dicht (the door slams shut) or de deur slaat tegen de deurpost (the door hits against the frame). The compound doorslaan tends to appear more often in figurative contexts or in journalistic language.

Literal sense. When used literally, doorslaan conveys physical impact, such as a door moving with a loud or forceful action. The emphasis is on the act of striking through or closing with force, rather than on a nuanced movement.

Figurative sense. In a figurative sense, doorslaan describes phenomena that “succeed in penetrating” or “catch on.” Examples include political proposals that sloegen door (gained approval) or a social movement that sloeg door and attracted widespread support. The nuance is one of momentum, impact, and eventual acceptance.

See also. Related terms include slaan, doorbreken, doorzetten, and inslaan, along with other compound verbs built from door and slaan that describe forceful or decisive actions.