“At gå som katten om den varme grød” – Like a cat walking around hot porridge

Meaning

“At gå som katten om den varme grød” literally translates to “like a cat walking around hot porridge.” This means “avoiding the core issue and speaking indirectly” or “avoiding direct action and taking a roundabout approach.”

This Danish expression is very similar to the Japanese saying “歯に物が挟まったような言い方” (talking as if something is stuck in your teeth) or the English phrase “beating around the bush.” Both refer to the act of speaking indirectly and avoiding directly addressing the issue at hand.

Origin

This expression originates from the image of a cat cautiously walking around hot food, avoiding touching it directly while observing carefully. Just as a cat cannot touch the hot porridge because it’s too hot, people sometimes avoid addressing direct problems or difficult topics. The phrase is used when someone is skirting around an important issue and repeatedly avoiding getting to the point.

Usage

This phrase is commonly used in Danish daily life. It is particularly relevant in business settings or personal relationships when someone feels that another person is avoiding the main topic or speaking ambiguously.

For example, in business negotiations where the main topic is avoided, or when friends or colleagues are hesitant to clearly express something difficult, this expression would be used.

Conclusion

“At gå som katten om den varme grød” is a Danish expression meaning “to avoid dealing with a problem directly and to speak in a roundabout way.” It is used in business negotiations or everyday conversations when someone is avoiding addressing an important topic.