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  3. Idioms / Maxims / Sayings

jemanden zu seinem Glück zwingen

English translation: You have to be cruel to be kind.

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:jemanden zu seinem Glück zwingen
English translation:You have to be cruel to be kind.
Entered by: Jeannette Eckel

10:40 Oct 3, 2005
German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / conversational market research interview
German term or phrase: jemanden zu seinem Glück zwingen
Context is a conversation with parents whose kids are heavy video gamers. Original text says "Man muss sie (die Kinder) manchmal zu ihrem Glück zwingen".
Thanks a lot
Jeannette Eckel
Germany
Local time: 19:31
You have to be cruel to be kind.
Explanation:
If you are looking for an Idiomatic expression and not just an interpretation. That's what we always say in Ireland if you try to *persuade* your kids to do something they don't like.
Selected response from:

Edith Kelly
Switzerland
Local time: 19:31
Grading comment
Thanks a lot
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +6You have to be cruel to be kind.
Edith Kelly
3 +3sometimes you have to force them to do what is good for them
Terence Ajbro
2Sometimes you have to use the stick as well as the carrot
Nancy Arrowsmith


Discussion entries: 4





  

Answers


9 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +3
sometimes you have to force them to do what is good for them


Explanation:
not sure whether there is an exact English equivalent.

Terence Ajbro
Sweden
Local time: 19:31
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 20

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Hilary Davies Shelby: i think this works well here (i'm assuming the parents are trying to make them go outside, etc ;-))
8 mins
agree  BrigitteHilgner: Given the context, I find the German original somewhat odd - the English expression seems more suitable.
45 mins
neutral  Edith Kelly: If asker wants a descriptive translation, I agree but this is not idiomatic.
1 hr
agree  Rebecca Garber
3 hrs
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +6
You have to be cruel to be kind.


Explanation:
If you are looking for an Idiomatic expression and not just an interpretation. That's what we always say in Ireland if you try to *persuade* your kids to do something they don't like.

Edith Kelly
Switzerland
Local time: 19:31
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 39
Grading comment
Thanks a lot

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Hilary Davies Shelby: i think this fits perfectly in this context!
3 mins
  -> Thanks ... three kids later .....
agree  IanW (X): Yes, agree with you, Edith - perhaps "cruel" is a bit strong though - "firm" would be better, even if it isn't a fixed expression
4 mins
  -> True, but the idiom says cruel but I suppose it can be replaced by firm, alluding to the idiom.
agree  Lancashireman
11 mins
  -> Thanx Andrew.
agree  Erin McGann
23 mins
agree  Martina Heintke: agree with Ian
2 hrs
agree  Rachel Ward
3 hrs
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2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
Sometimes you have to use the stick as well as the carrot


Explanation:
doesn't fit 100%, but is more idiomatic.

Nancy Arrowsmith
Local time: 11:31
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
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