Horsefoot
In German usage, a horse's foot usually means undesirable to unpleasant, e.g. T. hidden side effects of agreements or contracts, which (must) be accepted, however, since the thing is only available in a package with a horse's foot .
origin
In the Christian belief, the devil , who is portrayed with a horse's foot or a goat's foot , appears again and again as a seducer of people in order to secure their souls. This is often done through contracts that guarantee the person concerned all kinds of comforts, but also forbid them to do certain things (compare the fairy tale of the bearskin ) or, after death, completely turn the soul over to the devil. Since the Middle Ages, the devil has been popularly depicted with the horns, tail and claws of a goat. This is derived from the tradition of the Greek god Pan , who also appeared to people as a seducer and confuser. In modern times, the horse's foot appears increasingly, the origin of which is unclear. In many legends , the devil appears disguised and is then often exposed by his peeking horse's foot. This has found its way into linguistic usage to denote a deception, deceit or hidden disadvantage:
"The thing is a horse." - The so-called agreement contains a hidden trap or an unpleasant side effect. Synonym : "There is a catch."
Individual evidence
- ↑ Duden: Idioms (11). 1992, page 546. ISBN 3411041110 .