figures of speech
pure wine
Jemandem reinen Wein einschenken. To serve someone pure wine.
This expression originates from the Middle Ages, when innkeepers added various ingredients to their wine (e.g. sulphur, acetic clay, water, etc.) and sold it as wine. In this way, the innkeeper could make even more out of the limited supply of wine. Only if he poured real wine, as he claimed, was he telling the truth.
“an den Stellschrauben drehen”
When Germans say an den Stellschrauben drehen (literally to turn the adjusting screws), they mean making adjustments or fine-tuning levers or parameters to influence or optimize a situation or system.
Stellschrauben literally are adjusting screws or set screws used to finely tune mechanical devices. Metaphorically, die Stellschrauben drehen means to carefully adjust variables, factors, or levers that have influence over an outcome — usually in management, business, economics, or personal contexts.
It implies finding the right settings or making precise changes that have a meaningful impact. So, when Germans talk about adjusting the Stellschrauben, they mean fine-tuning critical control points or levers in a process or system to improve or change results.
“Air your grievances.”
“Air your grievances.” Encourages openly expressing complaints or accusations, typically in a forum where all parties are present.
“Tell it to my face.”
“Tell it to my face.” Demands that criticism or accusations be made directly, not behind someone’s back.
“Let’s clear the air.”
“Let’s clear the air.” Suggests addressing conflict or misunderstanding openly, often in a group or face-to-face setting.
“Have your day in court.”
“Have your day in court.” This phrase expresses the right and expectation to present one’s side of the story openly and directly before an impartial audience.
“Face the music.”
“Face the music.” Implies confronting criticism or accusations directly, rather than avoiding or deflecting them.