De soep wordt niet zo heet gegeten als zij wordt opgediend
Example: De soep wordt niet zo heet gegeten als zij wordt opgediend, dus wacht even.
Definition
"De soep wordt niet zo heet gegeten als zij wordt opgediend" is a Dutch expression meaning that things are often not as bad or intense as they initially seem. It advises patience and suggests that situations typically become less problematic than expected once experienced.
la zuppa non si mangia così calda come viene servita
a sopa não é comida tão quente como é servida
Etymology
The phrase "de soep wordt niet zo heet gegeten als zij wordt opgediend" literally translates to 'the soup is not eaten as hot as it is served.' It derives from the practical observation that hot food cools down before consumption, used metaphorically to express that initial impressions often exaggerate the reality. Did you know this saying highlights patience through a common daily experience?
Learn to use this expression actively
"De soep wordt niet zo heet gegeten als zij wordt opgediend" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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things are not as bad as they seem