We worden geacht onze eigen broek op te houden

English translation: If we are expected to stand on our own two feet

12:31 Jan 28, 2013
Dutch to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
Dutch term or phrase: We worden geacht onze eigen broek op te houden
Does anyone know of an English translation with similar imagery? The reason I ask is that the text continues: dan moet men onze bretels niet afpakken.

It's part of a text about funding (or the lack of it) for literary translations.
Marilyn Hedges
English translation:If we are expected to stand on our own two feet
Explanation:
If we are expected to stand on our own two feet, then don't pull out the rug from under (us).

I don't think it' necessary to keep the broek/trousers image if that doesn't have a well-known English equivalent.
Selected response from:

Tina Vonhof (X)
Canada
Local time: 19:47
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +3If we are expected to stand on our own two feet
Tina Vonhof (X)
3We're expected to keep our house in order...
Dave Greatrix
2we are expected to keep our own act straight
Alexander Schleber (X)


Discussion entries: 3





  

Answers


38 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5
we are expected to keep our own act straight


Explanation:
... then one doens't have to take away our supports.

A non-literal translation that may fit.

Alexander Schleber (X)
Belgium
Local time: 02:47
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
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45 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
We're expected to keep our house in order...


Explanation:
could be one option I think.

What they are saying is that we're expected to keep our trousers up, so they shouldn't take away our braces....

"dan moet men onze bretels niet afpakken" could be replaced with something like "then these people shouldn't come around making a mess..."

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Note added at 54 mins (2013-01-28 13:26:38 GMT)
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It obviously means that an obstacle is being presented that prevents you from achieving something. If you get that across then that should be fine IMO.

Dave Greatrix
United Kingdom
Local time: 01:47
Works in field
Native speaker of: English
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3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +3
If we are expected to stand on our own two feet


Explanation:
If we are expected to stand on our own two feet, then don't pull out the rug from under (us).

I don't think it' necessary to keep the broek/trousers image if that doesn't have a well-known English equivalent.

Tina Vonhof (X)
Canada
Local time: 19:47
Native speaker of: Native in DutchDutch, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
Grading comment
Selected automatically based on peer agreement.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  writeaway: why have you introduced "if"??
3 hrs

agree  Liesbeth Blom-Smith: Ben het met je eens, Tina, dit is de mooiste vertaling die de lading dekt.
15 hrs

agree  Petro Ebersöhn (X)
21 hrs

agree  Anne Lee
1 day 17 hrs
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