ein Esel schimpft den andern Langohr
Meaning: A person criticizes another for the same fault they themselves possess.
Language: German
Literally: one donkey scolds the other long-ear
Category: Animals
Origin: The image is of two donkeys, both having the prominent feature each accuses the other of—a vivid picture of hypocritical blame.
More idioms — Animals
- bei der Stange halten — to keep someone obedient, loyal, or in line through discipline or pressure.
- keine zehn Pferde — nothing could force or move one; obstinate refusal or immovable determination.
- an die Kandare nehmen — To restrain, control, or impose discipline on someone.
- einen Vogel zeigen — To gesture dismissively or insultingly, usually by mimicking a cuckoo or making a mocking…
- jemanden zur Schnecke machen — To scold or rebuke someone harshly; to give someone a severe dressing-down.
- auf den Leim gehen — To be deceived or tricked; to fall for a trap or deception.
More German idioms
- außer Rand und Band geraten — To lose control and behave wildly or unruly.
- nah am Wasser gebaut — Someone who cries easily or is prone to tears.
- feucht hinter den Ohren — Young, inexperienced, or naive.
- alles im grünen Bereich sein — Everything is functioning well or is satisfactory.
- ein Liedchen singen können — To have direct, personal knowledge of something through lived experience.
- sein Damaskus erleben — To undergo a sudden, transformative spiritual or moral awakening.
From our untranslatable words
- Torschlusspanik — The anxious fear that time is running out — that the gates of opportunity, youth, or life…
- Kummerspeck — The weight you gain from emotional eating — the extra pounds that accumulate during heart…
- Fremdschämen — The vicarious embarrassment you feel for someone who is doing something cringeworthy — ev…