In the life of a translator, one often comes across expressions, phrases and words for which a literal translation is not possible without inexorably compromising their true meaning. So-called idiomatic expressions represent a real test of skill for translators, who in addition to knowing the language and its vocabulary well, must also know how to interpret the hidden meanings and culture that each country brings with it.
Today we would like to show you some of the most curious idioms we have come across, knowing that they are sure to amuse you.
English: ‘As cool as a cucumber’. At first glance it is difficult to guess what exactly is meant by ‘as cool as a cucumber’, but for our English friends this expression is used to define a calm and relaxed person.
Swedish: ‘Glida in på en räckmacka’. Literally, ‘sliding forward on a shrimp sandwich’. As funny as it sounds, this phrase is used for those who have managed to have an easy life without making any effort.
French: ‘Quand les poules auront des dents’. If for us something improbable will only happen when donkeys fly, in France it will happen when chickens have teeth.
German: ‘Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden’. To indicate that you are making fun of someone, our friendly German neighbours use the expression ‘tie a bear to someone’, no small joke!
Japanese: ‘ほっぺたが落ちる’ (hoppeta ga ochiru). Have you ever had something so good that your mouth watered? Well, in Japan at such times, your cheeks drop!
These were 5 examples of funny sayings in 5 different languages from around the world. We hope they made you smile and also made you think a bit about all the difficulties that can lie behind a translation if it is not taken over by real professionals.
