Example: Man sollte Probleme nicht auf die leichte Schulter nehmen, sondern ernsthaft angehen.
Definition
"Etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmen" means to treat a problem or situation with insufficient seriousness or care, often underestimating its importance or potential consequences. For example, it implies not addressing problems seriously but rather taking them lightly.
Translations
take lightly
tomarse a la ligera
iets licht opnemen
prendre-s'ho a la lleugera
prendre à la légère
Etymology
The phrase "etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmen" literally translates to 'take something on the light shoulder.' It originates from the idea that carrying a burden on a 'light shoulder' indicates ease and lack of concern, suggesting someone is not giving enough weight or importance to an issue. This idiom has been used in German for centuries to express a casual or careless attitude toward responsibilities or problems.
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"Etwas auf die leichte Schulter nehmen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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take lightly