“Zij eten hun kippetjes voor het gerecht en doen verder niks” is a Dutch saying that roughly translates to “they eat their chickens for the court and do nothing else.” This phrase is often used to describe people who put on a show or make a big display of something, but ultimately fail to take any meaningful action or follow through with their promises.
The image of eating chickens for the court conjures up the idea of a lavish meal or feast being prepared for an important event or gathering. However, in this saying, the emphasis is on the fact that the chickens are being eaten solely for the benefit of the court or audience, rather than for any practical purpose or productive outcome.
This saying can be applied to various situations where individuals or groups may be more focused on appearances or public perception than on actually making a difference or achieving results. It serves as a reminder to look beyond the surface and consider the true intentions and motivations behind actions or statements.
In a societal context, “Zij eten hun kippetjes voor het gerecht en doen verder niks” can be a commentary on the prevalence of performative activism or virtue signaling. This is when individuals or organizations engage in symbolic gestures or displays of support for social causes, without actually taking meaningful steps to address the underlying issues or create real change.
It is important to be mindful of the difference between genuine efforts to make a difference and empty gestures that serve only to maintain appearances. By holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions and commitments, we can strive to move beyond simply “eating our chickens for the court” and instead work towards meaningful and impactful change.