Dutch Proverbs (1)There are hundreds of Dutch proverbs to describe all types of situations and actions, and even today, the modern Dutchman or woman will readily use an old proverb to express themselves.
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This week we discuss the meaning of this often-used proverb:
‘Als je je hoofd boven het maaiveld uitsteekt, wordt het afgehakt!’
‘If you stick your head above the crop line, it’ll get chopped off!’
This expression basically means that life in the Netherlands can be very hard on people who are ambitious and successful or who dare to be different or original – to stand out from the crowd – because they are often resented rather than applauded. For instance, a businessman under attack in the media for some ambitious but perhaps dodgy deals might shrug his shoulders and say: “People hate me because they resent the fact that I’m rich and successful! That’s what happens in this mean little country if ‘je je hoofd boven het maaiveld uitsteekt!’ Of course, some people abuse this proverb by using it to reject justified criticism and make themselves seem like the victims of injustice at the hands of an envious mob of mediocrities – and that’s why some people are now quite suspicious of this proverb. But still, there’s a grain of truth in it. (JP)
Dutch Proverbs (1)
There are hundreds of Dutch proverbs to describe all types of situations and actions, and even today, the modern Dutchman or woman will readily use an old proverb to express themselves. This week we discuss the meaning of this often-used proverb:
‘Als je je hoofd boven het maaiveld uitsteekt, wordt het afgehakt!’
‘If you stick your head above the crop line, it’ll get chopped off!’
This expression basically means that life in the Netherlands can be very hard on people who are ambitious and successful or who dare to be different or original – to stand out from the crowd – because they are often resented rather than applauded. For instance, a businessman under attack in the media for some ambitious but perhaps dodgy deals might shrug his shoulders and say: “People hate me because they resent the fact that I’m rich and successful! That’s what happens in this mean little country if ‘je je hoofd boven het maaiveld uitsteekt!’ Of course, some people abuse this proverb by using it to reject justified criticism and make themselves seem like the victims of injustice at the hands of an envious mob of mediocrities – and that’s why some people are now quite suspicious of this proverb. But still, there’s a grain of truth in it. (JP)
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