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To make people get used to and accept the bad by showing them the worse

This is often done by making a comparison. You think that's bad? It's not as bad as X. At least it's not X. Where "X" is replaced with the worse situation.
Barmar's user avatar
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2 votes

Phrase for group with no actual power

Figurehead is the term you are looking for. From M-W, the second definition of figurehead: 2 : a leader in name only : a head or chief (as of a country or organization) with little or no ...
Ken's user avatar
  • 21
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Is there a term/phrase for a vicious cycle of overcorrection?

"Speed wobble" is a term that closely describes your example of the car losing control, and describes the situation in which the correction in steering by either the driver or the forces ...
Amrita's user avatar
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English equivalent to Dutch "Mopping while the tap is running"?

Law Of Holes: When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_holes
Phil Sweet's user avatar
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English equivalent to Dutch "Mopping while the tap is running"?

I would use: It's a never ending story It more explains the end result rather the entire story, but I still think it fits well.
Cristan's user avatar
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1 vote

Is there a idiom/phrase to describe addressing a problem that doesn't actually occur or exist?

I would say worrying about hypotheticals.
Paul Richter's user avatar
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Is there a idiom/phrase to describe addressing a problem that doesn't actually occur or exist?

I like stigma for this. While not expressly the definition, it does imply the mental problem or issue as having been created by oneself, and when repeated, becomes reality although false. Perhaps ...
Lennon Stephens's user avatar
1 vote

Translation of German "Es wird nichts so heiß gegessen, wie es gekocht wird"

perhaps context helps, I am familiar with the saying as used by those drafting contracts, where the message conveyed is "strict principles as layed down in contractual clauses are generally not ...
Johhny Stout's user avatar
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Idiom for “pretending to like someone when you actually hate them”

These are all related of sort. To keep your friends close, and your enemies closer Fake friend To have a smile on your face but a dagger in your heart. I like Take it on the chin when dealing with ...
Paul B's user avatar
  • 19
2 votes

Idiom for “pretending to like someone when you actually hate them”

As far as the final example with the Chinese expression: “貌合神離 [mào hé shén lí]” : to appear united on the outside but be troubled underneath. as it pertains to dealing with one's boss is concerned, I ...
Mike Rafone's user avatar

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