German Phrase
Lass dich nicht vom Neid auffressen.
Meaning
This idiomatic expression warns against allowing feelings of jealousy or envy to consume one's thoughts and emotional well-being. It uses the verb 'auffressen' (to eat up or devour) to illustrate how destructive envy can be if left unchecked.
When to use
Use this when giving heartfelt advice to a friend or family member who is struggling with jealousy. It is often used in situations where someone is comparing their life or achievements negatively against others.
✦Grammar Breakdown
LassdichnichtvomNeidauffressen
Imperative (Lass)
The verb 'lassen' is used here in the imperative form to give a command or strong suggestion to a single person.
Reflexive (dich)
'Dich' is the accusative reflexive pronoun, indicating that the action of 'letting' involves the person being spoken to.
Contraction (vom)
'Vom' is a contraction of 'von' (by/from) and 'dem' (the), required here for the dative masculine noun 'Neid'.
🗨In Conversation
Ich kann nicht glauben, dass er befördert wurde und ich nicht.
I can't believe he got promoted and I didn't.
Lass dich nicht vom Neid auffressen, deine Zeit wird kommen.
Don't let envy eat you up, your time will come.
✕Common Mistakes
Lass dich nicht von Neid auffressen.
Use 'vom' (von + dem) because 'Neid' is treated as a specific abstract concept requiring the definite article.
Lass dich nicht vom Neid essen.
'Essen' is too literal; 'auffressen' captures the metaphorical 'devouring' nature of the emotion.
↔Alternatives
Sei nicht so neidisch.
Don't be so envious.
Gönn es ihnen doch.
Just be happy for them.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking cultures, while people can be reserved, giving direct emotional advice to close friends is common. This phrase reflects a psychological awareness that harboring negative emotions like envy is ultimately self-destructive rather than harmful to the other person.