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rode draad

English translation: red thread

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Dutch term or phrase:rode draad
English translation:red thread
Entered by: Sven Petersson

08:51 Oct 8, 2001
Dutch to English translations [Non-PRO]
Dutch term or phrase: rode draad
"jij bent de rode draad in mijn carriere geweest"
sammi
Local time: 19:26
In support of edlih_be's answer: "You have been the red thread in my career"
Explanation:
In support of edlih_be's answer: "You have been the red thread in my career":

Through the center of all ropes belonging to the British Navy runs a red thread, marking them out as government property.

The Dutch expression "rode draad" is a translation of the original British navy term "red thread". A back-translation must result in the original term. Thus "red thread". Anything else would be a translation error.
Selected response from:

Sven Petersson
Sweden
Local time: 19:26
Grading comment
thanks!
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 +1common denominator
Jolanda Dubbeldam (X)
5In support of edlih_be's answer: "You have been the red thread in my career"
Sven Petersson
5 -1You have been the red thread in my career
edlih_be
4inspiration
peterver


  

Answers


11 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): -1
You have been the red thread in my career


Explanation:
That is the answer if one translates literally. However, the meaning of the phrase translates to "you have been the guiding light in my career". The 'red thread' relates to something that is being followed as a guide.

edlih_be
Local time: 19:26
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in pair: 7

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
disagree  Andrew James: "red thread" isn't an expression widely used - although its etymology is interesting. "common thread that runs through something" is a handy translation for "rode draad die door iets loopt". In this context "you have been the mainstay of my careeer".
2467 days
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
inspiration


Explanation:
you were my inspiration througout my career

my example
my role model


    creative mind
peterver
Local time: 18:26
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4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5
In support of edlih_be's answer: "You have been the red thread in my career"


Explanation:
In support of edlih_be's answer: "You have been the red thread in my career":

Through the center of all ropes belonging to the British Navy runs a red thread, marking them out as government property.

The Dutch expression "rode draad" is a translation of the original British navy term "red thread". A back-translation must result in the original term. Thus "red thread". Anything else would be a translation error.



    Reference: http://www.salvationarmy-turlock.org/member.htm
Sven Petersson
Sweden
Local time: 19:26
Native speaker of: Native in SwedishSwedish, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in pair: 349
Grading comment
thanks!

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
disagree  peterver: on the contrary i find it extremely poor transation to use red thread when there are so many other and better options
14 hrs
  -> Read. Left without comment.
agree  Jolanda Dubbeldam (X)
2432 days
  -> Thank you very much!
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2432 days   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +1
common denominator


Explanation:
Whatever the linguistic roots of "red thread" I have never encountered it in spoken or written English. Common denominator could be a good alternative in certain cases.

Jolanda Dubbeldam (X)
United States
Local time: 09:26
Native speaker of: Native in DutchDutch, Native in EnglishEnglish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  dutchtoenglish
4588 days
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