We all use phrases to express our emotions and feelings. These are known as idioms – an expression with a figurative meaning that differs from its literal meaning. Sometimes they don’t appear to make any sense at all and this is because they have evolved to mean different things.
We’ve previously looked at some of the strangest English phrases – where they came from and what they mean. But these quirks of speech exist in many different languages. Here, we take a closer look at some common phrases and you’ll see that translating your favorite sayings into English can produce some amusing results.
This idiom, “nie mój cyrk, nie moje malpy”, is used by Polish speakers to state that something is not their responsibility or “not my problem”.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “Tell it to the hand.”
This English translation of the Italian phrase “non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco”, is a reminder that things do not always turn out the way we expect. A “ciambelle” is a round cake that is popular as a treat in Italy.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “You win some, you lose some.”
This Icelandic saying, “rúsínan í pylsuendanum”, acknowledges that it’s not usual to find a raisin at the end of a hot dog – so sometimes you might find an unexpected surprise at the end of something.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “Out of the blue.”
This Russian saying, “вешать лапшу на уши”, means you’re not trying to fool someone, emphasising that what you’re saying is true – even if it appears to be a surprise.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “I’m not pulling your leg.”
A sarcastic saying from Germany, “klar wie Kloßbrühe”, means that something is not at all clear – because dumpling soup is not at all clear or easy to see through.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “Clear as mud.”
This Portuguese phrase, “pagar o pato”, is used when someone takes the blame for something they didn’t do.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “Be the fall guy.”
We’re not sure why giving pumpkins to someone became such a bad thing in Spanish-speaking countries, but this idiom, “Dar calabazas a alguien”, means that you reject someone.
An English phrase with a similar meaning is: “Show them the door.”
This Finnish saying, “päästää sammakko suusta”, is uttered when someone accidentally says something they shouldn’t have. There’s an animal-related English phrase that is similar, but it involves cats...
An English phrase with a similar meaning: “To let the cat out the bag.”
The German idiom “nicht das Gelbe vom Ei” literally translates to "not the yellow from the egg," and it is used to express that something is not particularly good. This phrase often implies that while something may be acceptable, it falls short of being excellent or ideal.
An English phrase with a similar meaning: “It's less than perfect.”
So the next time you come across a strange idiom in another language, try translating it into English – you never know what interesting phrases you may discover. So keep learning new languages and expanding your understanding of different cultures.
In a previous blog, we shared somestrange English phrases that might have left you with some questions. The English language is full of peculiar phrases that can even confuse fluent speakers. In today's post, we'll take a look at a few more such phrases to help you expand your repertoire.
English is the second most widely spoken language – it is estimated that nearly two billion people worldwide can speak English at a useful level. That means they can hold a conversation with other English-speaking people.
A report by the attests the importance of the English language to the world, and says thatsecond-language English speakers far outnumber fluent English speakers. It also recognizes how being able to speak English can give individuals a competitive edge over others. If you're asking the question, "Why should I learn English?", read on to find out more...
Not everything can be taught in the classroom – that’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 English words, slang terms and figures of speech for you to sprinkle into your English conversations. Not sure how to use them? Don’t worry, we’ve included definitions and examples of how to use them in a sentence.
A song or tune that, once you’ve heard it, is stuck in your head.
Use it: “That new Taylor Swift song is such an earworm!”
Spending your holiday in your hometown rather than traveling abroad. Often spent relaxing around the house or doing activities in the local area.
Use it: “I’m having a staycation this summer, as I’m trying to save money.”
An episode or series created exclusively for online viewing. This can be part of a web series or used to promote a television series.
Use it: “There’s a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?”
Funding a project or business venture by asking a large number of people (typically online) to invest a small amount of money – usually via websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo.
Use it: “We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.”
Glamorous camping! Avoiding any rough conditions with luxurious facilities and accommodation, such as a yurt or cabin.
Use it: “We’re going to be glamping at Glastonbury this year.”
Something or someone that closely resembles something else, often used to describe someone who looks very similar to a celebrity.
Use it: “Have you seen the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes over there?”
This word has a more political significance, in terms of gaining land or ownership. However, its modern usage is commonly in the workplace: The act of passing over control or responsibility to another person while you are off work on holiday or leaving a job.
Use it: “I’ll send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while I’m away.”
When something is a little uninspiring or dull. Also a word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. It’s basically a verbal shrug.
Use it: “The film was a bit meh.”
Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually, with a DVD box set or using online streaming.
Use it: “I’m planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!”
When someone 'spills the tea' they are telling you all the latest news or gossip.
Use it: “Please spill the tea about last week's party!"
