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  3. Advertising / Public Relations

tragen wir nicht zu fett auf

English translation: don't overdo it

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:nicht zu fett auftragen
English translation:don't overdo it
Entered by: Nancy Arrowsmith

17:49 Feb 10, 2004
German to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Advertising / Public Relations / lubricant manufacturer
German term or phrase: tragen wir nicht zu fett auf
I need some suggestions for this: 2 double meanings in one sentence, has me beat.

This is an advertising slogan from a lubricant manufacturer

auftragen = exagerate + apply something
fett = thick + grease/lubricant

The best I've come up with is "we don't lay it on too thick", but this doesn't cover the grease bit.

I know there are some conundrum lovers out there - have a go......please!
Gillian Scheibelein
Germany
Local time: 08:33
we don't overdo it
Explanation:
we don't lay it on too thick
both work IMO. The grease part is not belabored, but can be implied.
Selected response from:

Nancy Arrowsmith
Local time: 00:33
Grading comment
This was really difficult, and just as difficult to grade. As I was asking for an improvement of my suggestion, it is not really fair to give the points to Edward. I think Nancy's suggestion is good because it is nice and short. Thanks to everyone for having a go, it is much appreciated.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +2let's not lay it on too thick!
Edward Guyver
4We are not slimy
jerryk (X)
4we don't overdo it
Nancy Arrowsmith
3see attempt
Johanna Timm, PhD
2 +1A well-oiled machine
Michele Johnson
3grease the wheels
jerrie


Discussion entries: 3





  

Answers


13 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
We are not slimy


Explanation:
-

jerryk (X)

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Michele Johnson: Not 100% sure the register of "slimy" is appropriate here. Sort of like having a big sign saying "We're not child molesters" or "We don't torture baby animals." Do you see what I mean? Similar problem with my suggestion of "slick" below.
19 mins
  -> Not quite as bad as your examples, but I see what you mean. Still, it would be refreshingly honest, for a change...
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16 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
let's not lay it on too thick!


Explanation:
From Collins/Pons Dictionary: (in the sense of uebertreiben) dick or stark auftragen - to lay it on thick or to lay on with a trowel. The quoted website shows the use of the expression in a literal context (cleaning horseriding equipment).


    Reference: http://wald.heim.at/urwald/541469/reiterseiten/sattelputzen....
Edward Guyver
Local time: 07:33
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Michele Johnson: A variation on the Asker's own suggestion.
17 mins
agree  astauber
2 hrs
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26 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
see attempt


Explanation:
"With us, there is the fat chance that even a squeaky wheel does not get too much grease "

Johanna Timm, PhD
Canada
Local time: 23:33
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 43
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26 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 2/5Answerer confidence 2/5 peer agreement (net): +1
A well-oiled machine


Explanation:
This is pretty "free" translation. It embodies: 1) The company itself is efficient 2) a reference to machines and greasing (fett).

I also thought of "We're not too slick," which corresponds better to your meanings, but it also has a third implication IMO: "We're not very smart." So this might be akin to naming your car "Chevy Nova" :)



--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 27 mins (2004-02-10 18:16:43 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

By the way, I think your \"we don\'t lay it on too thick\" is pretty darned good!

Michele Johnson
Germany
Local time: 08:33
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Deborah Shannon: yes, "not too thick" is closest but I like your idea too - "just doing our job with quiet efficiency, like a well-oiled machine"
53 mins
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
grease the wheels


Explanation:
Maybe something with the expression "grease the wheels" (giving something an extra push/paving the way/etc"

Our wheels don't need extra grease
We don't need to grease the wheels of/for sucess (anymore)...

or some such?
Just a thought

Your 'laying it on thick' is hard to beat ;-))

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2004-02-10 19:11:59 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

....grease the wheels of our industry? (efforts/business?)

jerrie
United Kingdom
Local time: 07:33
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 24
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6 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
we don't overdo it


Explanation:
we don't lay it on too thick
both work IMO. The grease part is not belabored, but can be implied.

Nancy Arrowsmith
Local time: 00:33
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 16
Grading comment
This was really difficult, and just as difficult to grade. As I was asking for an improvement of my suggestion, it is not really fair to give the points to Edward. I think Nancy's suggestion is good because it is nice and short. Thanks to everyone for having a go, it is much appreciated.
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