das Trostpflaster
Translation
consolation prize, small comfort, booby prize
Examples
Er bekam ein Trostpflaster für seine Mühe.
He received a consolation prize for his effort.
Die Schokolade war ein kleines Trostpflaster.
The chocolate was a small comfort.
Grammar Patterns
to get ((sth.)) as a consolation prize. He got a small gift as a consolation prize.
to be a small comfort for ((sth.)). The chocolate was a small comfort for the bad day.
Similar Words
Synonyms: small comfort, consolation prize; Antonyms: main prize (Hauptpreis)
Etymology
Compounded from 'Trost' (comfort) and 'Pflaster' (plaster/band-aid). Literally a 'comfort plaster'.
Memory Tips
Picture putting a small, comforting band-aid on a disappointment to make it feel better.