Example: Ein Unternehmen, das auf Sand baut, riskiert sein Überleben.
Definition
"Auf Sand bauen" is a German expression meaning to base plans or actions on an unstable or unreliable foundation, implying a high risk of failure. For example, a company that 'auf Sand baut' risks its survival due to weak or uncertain groundwork.
Translations
build on sand
construir sobre arena
op drijfzand bouwen
construir sobre sorra
bâtir sur du sable
Etymology
The phrase "auf Sand bauen" literally means 'to build on sand' in German. It metaphorically refers to constructing something on an unstable base, which is prone to collapse. This idea comes from the biblical parable of the wise and foolish builders, where building on sand symbolizes poor judgment.
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"Auf Sand bauen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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build on sand