Example: Manchmal muss man jemandem den Spiegel vorhalten, um Selbstreflexion zu fördern.
Definition
"Jemandem den Spiegel vorhalten" is a German expression meaning to confront someone with their own behavior or faults in a way that encourages self-reflection and awareness, often by showing them an honest or critical perspective of themselves.
Translations
hold up a mirror to someone
hacer reflexionar a alguien
iemand een spiegel voorhouden
posar un mirall davant d'algú
mettre quelqu'un face à lui-même
Etymology
The phrase "jemandem den Spiegel vorhalten" literally means 'to hold the mirror before someone.' It comes from the idea of showing a person their reflection to make them aware of their true nature or actions. This figurative use of 'mirror' to symbolize self-awareness has been common in German for centuries.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Jemandem den Spiegel vorhalten" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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hold up a mirror to someone