Den Teufel an die Wand malen
To paint a grim picture, to catastrophize, to imagine the worst-case scenario
In German
Den Teufel an die Wand malen
Literal Translation
Meaning
Equivalent:"To paint a grim picture; To catastrophize"
Origin:From the superstition that if you portray something evil (like the devil), you might invoke it or make it happen. Thus, warning against excessive pessimism.
Example Sentences
Example Sentences- 1
Rede nicht so negativ, du malst ja den Teufel an die Wand!
Don't talk so negatively, you're painting a grim picture!
- 2
Man sollte nicht immer gleich den Teufel an die Wand malen, es gibt auch gute Seiten.
One shouldn't always imagine the worst-case scenario; there are good sides too.
FAQ
How do you say "To paint a grim picture, to catastrophize, to imagine the worst-case scenario" in German?
"To paint a grim picture, to catastrophize, to imagine the worst-case scenario" in German is "Den Teufel an die Wand malen" (den TOY-fel an dee VAHNT MAH-len). Example: Rede nicht so negativ, du malst ja den Teufel an die Wand!.
