Michael Beijer Mar 27, 2013:

:-) I don't envy the person responsible for trying to shoehorn this one into the Glossary.

Malika Lakbiach (asker) Mar 27, 2013:

Dank je Marijke, helemaal duidelijk.
Since there are different idioms/sayings in English that could be used as an equivalent for the Dutch one (apparently "husband/wife and 2.3 (or 2.4) kids" is also used), I will leave it to the colleagues to determine which of the answers is the most helpful/appropriate (because I don't think you can choose more than one answer).

Philgoddard, it is not for a particular translation at the moment, I am just fascinated by idioms and proverbs (The Dutch, as you know, use set phrases in their daily speech all the time, I find that so intriguing).

Marijke Singer Mar 27, 2013:

Now we are entering the philosophical realm. Both suburban and white picket fence contain an element of negativity because, those who aspire to suburbia and the fence, are viewed as trying to conform to something that basically does not exist (irony but a gentle irony). It also begs the question whether you should be aspiring to it in the first place. Does that make sense?

Malika Lakbiach (asker) Mar 26, 2013:

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to "brainstorm". After some research I found out that both "suburban bliss" (as Michael suggested) and "the white picket fence dream" (Marijke's suggestion) convey the positive meaning of "huisje-boompje-beestje", but what I couldn't figure out is whether the "negative" meaning of leading a boring life can be expressed with these two English sayings as well.
BTW, does anybody know if you can chose more than one answer as most helpful?

freekfluweel Mar 26, 2013:

build a house, plant a tree, raise a child (kind of life)

(not as concise as the original though)

Michael Beijer Mar 25, 2013:

agree with Phil some context would be needed

philgoddard Mar 25, 2013:

Is this for a text you're translating, or just something you want to know? And do you want it to have negative connotations? Either way, please could you give us a sentence containing the phrase, as the translation may vary depending on context.