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feilen

file (nails)

verb FYE-len Rare
Body & Health Personal Care

Also means

use a file

Usage Note

feilen in personal care means to file nails smooth with a nail file (Nagelfeile). In other contexts it means working a surface with a metal file. The phrase an sich feilen metaphorically means to work on improving oneself.

Examples

"Sie feilt sich die Nägel, bevor sie sie lackiert."

Natural Translation

She files her nails before painting them.

Literal Translation

She files herself the nails before she them lacquers.

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