“Sacred cows” is the equivalent English idiom for the Dutch saying
“Heilige huisjes.”
It conveys the same meaning of referring to things that are considered untouchable or not to be criticized.
Sacred cow
noun [ C ] disapproving
A belief, custom, etc. that people support and do not question or criticize:
They did not dare to challenge the sacred cow of parliamentary democracy.
Cambridge Dictionary
A custom, system, etc. that has existed for a long time and that many people think should not be questioned or criticized.
The sacred cow of free market economics.
Oxford Dictioanry
Strauss-Kahn released from house arrest
2 jul 2011
Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, has been released from house arrest in the sexual assault case against him.
The French politician appeared briefly in a New York courtroom on Friday after reports that prosecutors had grave doubts about the credibility of Strauss-Kahn’s accuser.
Al Jazeera’s Cath Turner reports from New York.
At Al Jazeera English, we focus on people and events that affect people’s lives. We bring topics to light that often go under-reported, listening to all sides of the story and giving a ‘voice to the voiceless.’
Reaching more than 270 million households in over 140 countries across the globe, our viewers trust Al Jazeera English to keep them informed, inspired, and entertained.
Our impartial, fact-based reporting wins worldwide praise and respect. It is our unique brand of journalism that the world has come to rely on.
We are reshaping global media and constantly working to strengthen our reputation as one of the world’s most respected news and current affairs channels.
The cross-examination by Ben Brafman of a 32-year-old chambermaid who never went to school, couldn’t read or write, about her immigration, and so on…
Elements that are irrelevant concerning the alleged sexual abuse by DSK.
By the way, DSK maintains a very questionable lifestyle in this regard. It is clearly a step too far.
Furthermore, the use of private detectives to delve into her life is not permissible to undermine her credibility.
Benjamin Brafman, a top lawyer in New York, puts the chambermaid in impossible circumstances. It’s like a false confession, where innocent people are put in trouble during questioning until they break and confess to something they didn’t do.
Benjamin Brafman (born July 21, 1948) is an American criminal defense attorney and founder of the Manhattan-based law firm Brafman & Associates. Brafman is known for representing many high-profile defendants, including celebrities, accused Mafia members, and political figures.
The idiom “Sacred cows” refers to ideas, beliefs, institutions, or practices that are regarded as too important, valuable, or untouchable to be questioned, criticized, or challenged. Here are the key points associated with this idiom:
Untouchable Beliefs or Traditions: The term is often used to describe long-standing beliefs, traditions, or practices that are considered sacrosanct or beyond criticism within a particular culture, organization, or society.
Resistance to Change or Criticism: “Sacred cows” are resistant to change or critique. People may avoid questioning them due to fear of backlash, societal norms, or cultural taboos.
Protection of Sacred Ideas: The idiom implies that certain beliefs or concepts are protected like sacred cows, and challenging them is akin to questioning a deeply held belief or principle.
Challenging the Status Quo: Challenging sacred cows may be necessary for progress, innovation, or social change. However, doing so can be difficult because these ideas are often deeply ingrained and protected.
Metaphorical Interpretation: The phrase originated from the veneration of cows in some cultures, where cows are considered sacred and not to be harmed. In a broader sense, it metaphorically represents any idea or entity that is considered inviolable.
Open-Mindedness and Critical Thinking: Encourages individuals and society to be open-minded and engage in critical thinking, questioning established norms, beliefs, or practices to ensure growth and improvement.
Understanding and challenging “sacred cows” is essential for progress, adaptation to changing circumstances, and promoting a more open, flexible, and informed society.
A ‘sacred cow’ is a storage place for thoughts, values, or norms that are very important to you. You don’t want to lose them, so you set them aside. It is a storage place for things that matter. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?
Een heilig huisje is dus een opbergplaats voor gedachten, waarden of normen die voor jou heel belangrijk zijn. Je wilt ze niet kwijt en daarom zet je ze apart. Het is dus een bewaarplaats voor zaken die ertoe doen. Daar is toch niets mis mee?
1 Why I Care About Criminal Injustice | Jason Flom | TEDxLuziraPrison
2 When Police Corruption Puts An Innocent Man Behind Bars | Innocence Network | Real Crime
3 Music mogul works to help free the wrongfully convicted
4 Skunk Hat Prank