This site uses cookies. Some of these cookies are essential to the operation of the site, while others help to improve your experience by providing insights into how the site is being used. For more information, please see the ProZ.com privacy policy.
Cookie settings
  1. KudoZ™ Top
  2. German to English
  3. Poetry & Literature

Die Augen aufs Große und den Großen aufs Auge

English translation: Aim high, fail big

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:Die Augen aufs Große und den Großen aufs Auge
English translation:Aim high, fail big

19:34 Apr 12, 2008
German to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Poetry & Literature / Motto
German term or phrase: Die Augen aufs Große und den Großen aufs Auge
What does this motto mean in English?
Many thanks, in advance.
Cal Charles
Aim high, fail big
Explanation:
This is from a book/movie called "Verschwende Deine Jugend" (English title: "Play it Loud"). I haven't read or seen it, but the phrase seems to mean something like: "Set big goals and get knocked down hard."

I've been trying to think of a good way to express that in English, while still keeping the poetic nature of the original, but haven't been able to come up with anything good. Hope I helped a little.
Selected response from:

Daniel McBane
United States
Local time: 10:48
Grading comment
On the money, thanks.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3Aim high, fail big
Daniel McBane


Discussion entries: 3





  

Answers


12 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
Aim high, fail big


Explanation:
This is from a book/movie called "Verschwende Deine Jugend" (English title: "Play it Loud"). I haven't read or seen it, but the phrase seems to mean something like: "Set big goals and get knocked down hard."

I've been trying to think of a good way to express that in English, while still keeping the poetic nature of the original, but haven't been able to come up with anything good. Hope I helped a little.

Daniel McBane
United States
Local time: 10:48
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
On the money, thanks.
Notes to answerer
Asker: Excellent, thanks very much!


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Cilian O'Tuama: Where do you get the "get knocked down hard"? W/o any context or familiarity with the book, I'd guess sth. like: Keep your eye on the big picture, and try to make life particularly difficult for the big guy/best opponent/favourite. Just guessing though.
1 day 16 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



Login or register (free and only takes a few minutes) to participate in this question.

You will also have access to many other tools and opportunities designed for those who have language-related jobs (or are passionate about them). Participation is free and the site has a strict confidentiality policy.

Return to KudoZ list

KudoZ™ translation help

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

See also:
ProZ.com term search
Search millions of term translations
Close search
Term search
  • All of ProZ.com
  • Term search
  • Jobs
  • Forums
  • Multiple search