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 serves as a metaphor for situations where two parties are so engrossed in their dispute that they fail to notice a third party who takes advantage of their distraction to benefit from their conflict. It’s a commentary on the futility of fights where, ultimately, the involved parties might both end up losing to an opportunistic third.
This expression is used commonly in Dutch to describe scenarios in politics, business, or personal relationships where the focus on conflict blinds the parties to external threats or lost opportunities.
Examples in Conversation
- In a Business Setting:
- A: “The marketing and sales teams have been arguing over the budget for weeks.”
- B: “While they fight, R&D might just end up getting the extra funds. It’s just like they say, ‘Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen.'”
- Among Friends:
- A: “Lara and Sara were both trying to be project leaders, so intense was their conflict.”
- B: “And while they were clashing, Tom quietly took over the lead. It’s a classic case of ‘Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen.'”
- In Politics:
- A: “The two major parties can’t seem to agree on the new legislation.”
- B: “Exactly, and while they are stuck in deadlock, the smaller party is gaining support by presenting moderate solutions. As the Dutch say, ‘Als twee honden vechten om een been, gaat de derde ermee heen.'”
Origin and Popularity
The origin of this proverb is not precisely documented, but it likely arose from general observations of animal behavior, which were then analogized to human interactions. The vivid imagery of dogs—commonly used in fables and stories to portray moral lessons—makes this proverb relatable and easy to understand. Its use in Dutch culture is widespread, reflecting a societal appreciation for the wisdom of strategic thinking and the pitfalls of unnecessary confrontation.
The proverb continues to resonate in modern contexts, where the dynamics of competition and conflict often mirror the simplistic yet profound scenario of two dogs and a bone. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, stepping back from conflict or reconsidering our strategies could be more beneficial than a relentless pursuit of victory.
