The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER!
15. etwas im Schilde führen
A shield is a defensive weapon. I think that is something we can all agree on. But a shield used to be much more than that. In middle age, shields usually featured crests (emblems) that let everybody know about the origin of the shield bearer and also allowed conclusions to be drawn about his identity and intention.
So, “im Schilde führen” means that the owner of the shield actually carried something along with his shield ― the crest (emblem) that figured on the shield. And this symbol always carried a certain (metaphorical) message.
Now, the modern “im Schilde führen,” as embodied in the German language, is an allusion to this fact and simply means that somebody has ‘something up one’s sleeve.’
So, somebody has a certain intention that people are yet unaware of (because he wouldn’t tell it). Does that make any sense? I hope it does. If it doesn’t, an example usually helps.
Example:
Bernd: Du bist sonst nie so ruhig. Da stimmt doch etwas nicht. Du führst bestimm etwas im Schilde!
Beatrice: Ach was, es ist alles in Ordnung!
Bernd: Nene, ich kenne Dich!
Beatrice: Ok, du hast recht. Ich wollte dich heute Abend eigentlich überraschen, aber nun hast du gesagt, dass du heute abend gar nicht da bist!
Bernd: Ja, leider.
Aber überrasch mich doch morgen!
Beatrice: Ok, geht klar!
Translation:
Bernd: You are never this calm. There must be something wrong with you. You are certainly up to something!
Beatrice: Oh no, everything is fine!
Bernd: Naaah, I know you!
Beatrice: Okay, okay. You’re right. I wanted to surprise you tonight, but now you’ve said that you’re not even here tonight!
Bernd: Yes, unfortunately. But what about a little surprise tomorrow, maybe?
Beatrice: Haha, we will see!
