die Kirche im Dorf lassen
to keep things in perspective; not to overdo it
Origin
Probably from the late Middle Ages: during processions one should keep the church (church life) in the village rather than carrying it far out - figuratively: don't exaggerate.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- gegenüber (opposite, towards)gegenüber (+ Dativ)
- Relative clause with genitive (dessen / deren, whose)Relativsatz mit Genitiv (dessen / deren)
- Genitive verb 'gedenken' (to commemorate)Genitivverb 'gedenken'
- Present perfect with 'haben': sie/Sie haben … (participle)Perfekt mit 'haben': sie/Sie haben … Partizip II
- Regular comparative (-er + als 'than')Komparativ regelmäßig (-er + als)
- Comparison of equality with 'so … wie' (as … as)Vergleich mit so … wie
Examples
Bleib und lass die im .
Stay calm and keep things in proportion.