Example: Hij probeert altijd de kool en de geit sparen in discussies.
Definition
"De kool en de geit sparen" is a Dutch expression meaning to try to satisfy two opposing parties or interests at the same time, often to avoid conflict or disagreement. It implies attempting to keep everyone happy, even when their demands are contradictory.
Translations
to please both sides
quedar bien con todos
quedar bé amb tothom
ménager la chèvre et le chou
es allen recht machen
risparmiare la capra e il cavolo
não perder nada
Etymology
The phrase "de kool en de geit sparen" literally translates to 'to spare the cabbage and the goat.' It originates from a farming context where a goat might eat cabbage, so trying to protect both at once was impossible. This old saying humorously highlights the difficulty in pleasing two conflicting interests simultaneously.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De kool en de geit sparen" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to please both sides