koeien met gouden horens

Dutch

Alternative forms
  • (less common) koeien met gouden hoorns

Etymology

Literally, “cows with golden horns”. This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.

Noun

koeien met gouden horens pl (plural only)

  1. (idiomatic) impossible, unrealistic or fantastic things; castles in the air
    Synonym: luchtkasteel
    De manager beloofde koeien met gouden horens in plaats van realistische doelen te stellen. ― The manager promised castles in the air instead of setting realistic goals.

Usage notes
  • Most commonly, but not necessarily, paired with the verb beloven.
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