dingfest
Translation
apprehended, under arrest, finalized, nailed down
Examples
Die Polizei hat den Dieb dingfest gemacht.
The police arrested the thief.
Wir müssen den Plan dingfest machen.
We need to finalize the plan.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) dingfest machen to arrest (sb.) Die Polizei machte den Dieb dingfest.
((sth.)) dingfest machen to finalize (sth.) Wir müssen den Termin dingfest machen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verhaftet, festgenommen (arrested); endgültig, verbindlich (final)
Etymology
From 'Ding' (originally 'court') + 'fest' (firm, fast). Literally 'firm for court', meaning to secure someone for trial.
Memory Tips
Imagine making a 'Ding' (thing/person) 'fest' (fast/secure) with ropes. This visual helps remember the meaning 'to apprehend'.