Ins Fettnäpfchen treten
Example: Er ist leider oft ins Fettnäpfchen getreten und hat Leute verletzt.
Definition
"Ins Fettnäpfchen treten" is a German idiomatic expression meaning to accidentally say or do something embarrassing or tactless that causes offense or discomfort to others. It often refers to social blunders where someone unintentionally offends or upsets people.
Etymology
The phrase "ins Fettnäpfchen treten" literally translates to "to step into the little fat pot." Historically, a 'Fettnäpfchen' was a small pot containing grease or fat used for cooking or lighting lamps. Stepping into it symbolized making a mess or blunder. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to mean committing a social faux pas or blunder.
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"Ins Fettnäpfchen treten" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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put one's foot in it