nicht auf den Mund gefallen sein
to be quick-witted and articulate; never at a loss for words
Origin
The origin is not firmly documented; common since the early 18th century, the phrase probably refers to the mouth being uninjured (not having 'fallen') and therefore able to speak freely.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Pronoun 'dir' (you/to you, informal, dative)Pronomen 'dir' (Dativ)
- Pronoun 'Ihnen' (you/to you, formal, dative)Pronomen 'Ihnen' (formell, Dativ)
- Verb 'gefallen' (to please/like, + dative)Verb 'gefallen' (+ Dativ)
- Pronoun 'uns' (us/to us, dative)Pronomen 'uns' (Dativ)
Examples
Meine ist nicht auf den und sagt jedem ihre .
My grandmother is never at a loss for words and tells everyone her opinion.