
Do ès ne piepel öt zè gat gevloge
Someone has unexpectedly turned very friendly, like an ugly caterpillar suddenly becoming a butterfly. Don't trust it too much: there is usually a reason.
Twelve sayings in Buitings, the dialect of Paal in Belgium, each pictured in the style of an old master. Made for Heritage Day 2026, now available as prints. Every work comes with its own song and video.
Prices and sizes as in the price table. The size is matched to the proportions of the work; square works are printed square. See prices

Someone has unexpectedly turned very friendly, like an ugly caterpillar suddenly becoming a butterfly. Don't trust it too much: there is usually a reason.

Don't make a fuss, don't overdo it. Curiously, Flemish painters also called an unfinished part of a painting a 'holy day'.

To make a blunder, to be way off the mark. Perhaps a memory of old archery contests, where the worst shot received a mocking prize.

She's in one of her moods again and won't be talked round. Probably related to a cat in heat: there's no reasoning with that either.

When it really comes down to it. Shearing sheep took strength, skill and stamina: big talkers often fell short at that point.

To feel offended, to have your toes stepped on. We won't say who did the biting, but Jan Steen's little dog is a likely suspect.

Every five minutes, all the time. Literally: as often as a dog marking its territory.

To send someone packing with a good kick. A short and effective farewell.

To do a somersault. Every village has its own word for it: pumpelepamp in Zichem, hoemplappa in Heusden, piepelepoa in Houthalen.

To have a wicked tongue, to love gossip. The 'leaf' stands for the tongue here, and a dirty one is perfect for backbiting.

Short-tempered, quick to snap. A vicious dog used to be kept on a short chain. Owners often look like their dogs, by the way.

To fly into a rage. Like magpies squabbling loudly on their branch: better to clear off when that happens.
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