der Grenzgang
Translation
beating the bounds, perambulation, border walk, (figurative) tightrope walk
Examples
Der Grenzgang ist eine alte Tradition in Hessen.
Beating the bounds is an old tradition in Hesse.
Seine Kunst ist ein Grenzgang zwischen Genie und Wahnsinn.
His art is a tightrope walk between genius and madness.
Grammar Patterns
a tightrope walk between ((sth.)) to be a tightrope walk between sth. The project is a tightrope walk between innovation and risk.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Grenzbegehung (border inspection), (figurative) Gratwanderung (ridge walk, tightrope walk)
Etymology
Composed of 'Grenze' (border) and 'Gang' (walk, course), from the verb 'gehen' (to go).
Memory Tips
Literally a 'walk' ('Gang') along a 'border' ('Grenze'). This can be a real tradition or a figurative walk on the edge between two concepts.