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Glossary entry

German term or phrase:

jemanden zu seinem Glück zwingen

English translation:

You have to be cruel to be kind.

Added to glossary by Jeannette Eckel
Oct 3, 2005 10:40
18 yrs ago
German term

jemanden zu seinem Glück zwingen

German to English Art/Literary Idioms / Maxims / Sayings conversational market research interview
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
Proposed translations (English)
4 +6 You have to be cruel to be kind.
3 +3 sometimes you have to force them to do what is good for them
2 Sometimes you have to use the stick as well as the carrot
Change log

Oct 3, 2005 16:46: Marcus Malabad changed "Term asked" from "\"jemanden zu seinem Gl�ck zwingen\"" to "jemanden zu seinem Gl�ck zwingen" , "Field" from "Other" to "Art/Literary"

Discussion

Jeannette Eckel (asker) Oct 3, 2005:
That hits the spot precisely. I just thought there might be a more fixed expression. Thanks to both of you, Hilary and Terence!
Hilary Davies Shelby Oct 3, 2005:
Thanks! I think Terence's answer fits well here - it's more making them do things that will benefit them in the long run.
Jeannette Eckel (asker) Oct 3, 2005:
The respondent in question persuaded her kids to read before they were allowed to play. So, yes, it's basically about stopping them to play so much by "softer means", i.e. without actually forbidding them to play.
Hilary Davies Shelby Oct 3, 2005:
I'm assuming that this is in reference to trying to stop them playing so much?

Proposed translations

+6
1 hr
Selected

You have to be cruel to be kind.

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.
Peer comment(s):
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
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thanks a lot"
+3
9 mins

sometimes you have to force them to do what is good for them

not sure whether there is an exact English equivalent.
Peer comment(s):
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
Something went wrong...
2 hrs

Sometimes you have to use the stick as well as the carrot

doesn't fit 100%, but is more idiomatic.
Something went wrong...