In Dutch, there are also a few options to translate “kruiperig doen”:
- Kruiperig doen (direct translation, but a bit awkward) – This conveys the meaning directly but sounds less natural in Dutch.
- Slijmen (to grovel) – This is a strong word that captures the negative connotation of acting submissively.
- Vleien (to flatter excessively) – Similar to the Dutch “vleien,” this emphasizes excessive flattery.
- Streberig doen (to suck up) – This implies acting in a way that is seen as annoying or insincere to gain favor.
Here are some examples of how these would be used in a sentence:
- Hij deed heel kruiperig tegen de baas om een promotie te krijgen. (He acted very submissive to the boss to get a promotion.)
- Ze slijmde bij de leraar in de hoop op een beter cijfer. (She groveled to the teacher hoping for a better grade.)
- Hij probeerde haar te versieren door constant te vleien. (He tried to woo her by constantly flattering her.)
- Stop met dat streberige gedoe! (Stop with that sucking up!)