ProverbHuman Nature
Dutch origin
Dutch originHoge bomen vangen veel wind
Meaning: People in high positions attract the most criticism and danger.
Literally: Tall trees catch a lot of wind
Example: “Als minister krijg je veel kritiek. Hoge bomen vangen veel wind.” — As a minister you get a lot of criticism: the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Equivalents in English, French, Spanish, and German
English: The bigger they are, the harder they fall
French: Plus dure sera la chute (literally: The harder the fall will be)
Spanish: Cuanto más alto, más dura la caída (literally: The higher, the harder the fall)
German: Wer hoch steigt, fällt tief (literally: He who climbs high falls deep)
Origin: The tallest trees take the full force of the storm while the bushes below are sheltered.
Explore another collection: Idioms
Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.
- roet in het eten gooien to spoil or ruin a plan, event, or situation by introducing an unwelcome disruption.
- bij de les blijven to remain focused and attentive; to keep one's composure.
- voor dovemansoren Said or done in vain; unheeded by those it is meant for.
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