“Hoe slechter… hoe meer spaanders” is a Dutch proverb that translates to “the worse it gets… the more chips fly.” This saying is often used to emphasize that when things are not going well, there will be consequences or fallout.
The origins of this proverb are not entirely clear, but it likely comes from the idea that when something is falling apart or going poorly, there will be collateral damage or additional problems that arise. Just like when a piece of wood is being chopped and splinters fly as it is being split apart, the more difficult the situation, the more repercussions there will be.
This proverb can be applied to many different situations in life. For example, in a business setting, if a company is struggling financially, there may be layoffs, budget cuts, and other negative consequences that follow. In personal relationships, if there is a conflict or disagreement, it can lead to hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and further complications.
The key takeaway from this proverb is that it serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and that when things are not going well, it is important to be mindful of the potential fallout. It also underscores the importance of addressing problems and challenges early on before they escalate and create more problems.
In conclusion, “hoe slechter… hoe meer spaanders” is a powerful proverb that serves as a cautionary reminder that when things are going poorly, there will be repercussions. It is a call to action to address issues promptly and effectively to prevent further damage and complications.