What Does “Beter een half ei dan een lege dop” Mean?
The Dutch proverb “Beter een half ei dan een lege dop”, which translates to “Better half an egg than an empty shell,” carries a powerful message about gratitude and contentment with what you have. This saying highlights the idea that having something, even if it’s not perfect or complete, is far better than having nothing […]
What Does “Beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend” – “Better a Good Neighbor Than a Distant Friend” Mean?
The Dutch proverb “Beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend” translates to “Better a good neighbor than a distant friend” in English. This saying emphasizes the value of having a helpful, reliable neighbor nearby rather than relying solely on friends who may be far away. It reflects the practical idea that proximity and availability […]
What Does “Beter een gat in je sok dan een sok in je gat” Mean?
The Dutch proverb “Beter een gat in je sok dan een sok in je gat,” which translates to “Better a hole in your sock than a sock in your hole,” carries a humorous yet practical message. On the surface, it may seem like a funny or even awkward phrase, but it provides a subtle lesson […]
What does “Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen” Mean?
The Dutch proverb “Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen” translates to “When two dogs fight for a bone, the third one takes it away.” This phrase embodies a timeless lesson: while two parties are engrossed in conflict or competition over something, a third party, observing patiently from the sidelines, […]
What Does “Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen” Mean? Exploring the Dutch Proverb
The Dutch proverb “Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen” translates to “When two dogs fight for a bone, the third one carries it away.” This saying embodies a profound observation about human behavior and conflict, offering a cautionary note on the consequences of contention. Meaning and Application The proverb […]
What Does ‘Als twee hetzelfde doen, is het nog niet hetzelfde’ Mean?
The Dutch proverb “Als twee hetzelfde doen, is het nog niet hetzelfde” translates to “Even if two do the same, it’s not the same” in English. This saying highlights the unique differences in how individuals approach the same task or situation, emphasizing that outcomes can vary significantly despite similar starting points. This article explores the […]
Als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put – After the Calf is Drowned, They Close the Well: Meaning
The Dutch proverb “Als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put” translates to “After the calf is drowned, they close the well.” This saying encapsulates the idea that people often take action only after a problem has already occurred, rather than preventing it beforehand. In other words, it criticizes the tendency to react to […]
Als de vos de passie preekt, boer pas op je kippen: Unraveling the Dutch Proverb
In the tapestry of Dutch idioms, one thread weaves a cautionary tale with vivid imagery: “Als de vos de passie preekt, boer pas op je kippen.” Translated directly, it means: “When the fox preaches about passion, farmer, beware of your chickens.” This proverb encapsulates a profound warning about being wary of deceitful intentions, especially when […]
Al is de leugen nog zo snel, de waarheid achterhaalt haar wel: Exploring the Meaning of the Dutch Proverb
The Dutch proverb “Al is de leugen nog zo snel, de waarheid achterhaalt haar wel” translates to “Though the lie be swift, the truth will overtake it.” This timeless adage reflects the universal truth that no matter how quickly falsehoods may spread or how convincingly they are presented, they are inevitably exposed and overshadowed by […]
Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel: Unveiling the Meaning of the Dutch Proverb
Deep within the annals of Dutch folklore lies a proverb laden with imagery and wisdom: “Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel.” Translated into English, it reads, “When the cat’s away, the mice dance on the table.” This seemingly whimsical saying holds a profound meaning that transcends its playful imagery, offering […]