Monday, January 25, 2010

The Value Chain of Fruits


The Value Chain of Fruits

As a GLOBAL NOMAD, I am very happy for the near-universality of the English language. (The only places I’ve had trouble with the basic language are Yorkshire and Scotland.) Sometimes, however, you hear word-for-word translations of local idioms – a situation that frequently leads to confusion.

“If you close this deal,” Hans said. “It will be a real feather up your ass.”

It turns out that this Dutch expression roughly means: “It will be a feather in your cap.” The Dutch expression refers to a peacock – strutting and proud.

Or…

“How hard is that task?” I asked.

“Well, it’s not two fingers in your nose,” Piet replied.

I should have known that one: two fingers in your nose is easy.

And finally:

“It will create and meet new demands for traceability and control along the value chain of fruits.”

Frankly, I don’t understand this one. Ideas and suggestions are welcome.

P.S. The photo is of Nazy in Malaysia with a chain of valuable fruits.

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