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, may seize the opportunity and walk away with the prize. The saying emphasizes the potential loss that comes from being too focused on direct rivalry, and the benefits of careful observation and opportunism.

The Meaning Behind the Proverb

At its core, this proverb warns about the dangers of intense competition or conflict. It reminds us that being overly focused on beating an opponent can leave us vulnerable to someone else swooping in and benefiting from our distraction. In a broader sense, it applies to situations where two people, groups, or even businesses are so consumed by their fight that they miss the bigger picture, allowing an outsider to gain what they both desire.

Examples of the Proverb in Conversation

To better understand how this proverb might be used in conversation, here are a few scenarios where it fits perfectly:

1. Example 1: Business Rivalry
   • Person A: “Company X and Company Y have been slashing prices to outdo each other.”
   • Person B: “Yes, but look at Company Z. While they’re busy fighting, Company Z introduced a new product and is taking over the market. Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen.”
2. Example 2: Sibling Conflict
   • Older Brother: “I really wanted that last slice of cake, but you ate it before I could!”
   • Younger Sister: “I was going to eat it too, but while we were arguing, our little brother came in and took it. Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen.”
3. Example 3: Sports Competition
   • Coach: “Our team and the rival team were so focused on beating each other that we didn’t even notice the third team taking the lead.”
   • Assistant Coach: “Classic case of als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen.”

These examples demonstrate how the proverb is used to describe real-life scenarios where competition between two parties results in an advantage for a third.

Possible Origin of the Proverb

The origin of this Dutch proverb is likely rooted in human observations of animal behavior, particularly dogs. When two dogs fight over a bone, they are often so focused on each other that they don’t notice a third dog sneaking in and snatching the bone. This image vividly captures the essence of the proverb: being so consumed by conflict or competition can cause a lapse in awareness, allowing someone else to benefit.

The proverb has been passed down through generations as a folk wisdom not only in the Netherlands but in various forms across other cultures. For instance, similar proverbs exist in English, such as “While two dogs fight for a bone, a third runs away with it,” and in other languages, reflecting a universal truth about the nature of conflict and opportunity.

Conclusion

The Dutch proverb “Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen” serves as a reminder to avoid being so absorbed in competition or conflict that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Whether in business, personal life, or even trivial matters, the proverb encourages us to stay alert to the broader situation and not allow others to take advantage of our distractions. After all, when two dogs fight for a bone, the third one might just take it away.