re: Untranslatable Idioms? page 3
Hi,
I'm looking for an example of an idiomatic expression in any language that can't be translated or at least doesn't have an acknowledged, correct translation.
Does anybody have any suggestions?
I'm looking for an example of an idiomatic expression in any language that can't be translated or at least doesn't have an acknowledged, correct translation.
Does anybody have any suggestions?
Comments (Page 3)
e.g. "He said he knew how it could have been prevented, but he was being wise after the event."
There was a commercial on television that played several years ago that talked about this italian phrase-"make a movie". I was surfing to see if I could find a site that might mention the exact Italian phrase and I only found your comment. I think it was a commercial for Kodak but I may be wrong. I have even asked an italian friend of mine, she had never heard of it either. I would love to know if it really is an italian phrase and how it goes.
Here are some examples in Bulgarian language:
1. "To kick the bell" - To die;
2. "To spit on one's palms" - To get to work;
3. "Five people don't wait for Peter" - If someone is late;
4. "You found America!" - When someone finally realizes something obvious;
5. "Don't sell cucumbers to cucumber grower/seller" - Don't try to fool someone well-experienced in some field;
6. "To send someone out for a green caviar" - To cheat or deceive someone;
7. "Hungry bear doesn't dance (folk dance)" - Worker should be well fed in order to work well;
8. "He spitted out the pebble" - He began to speak;
9. "When my pattens/clogs blossom" - Never;
10. "Every train has it's passengers" - There are people for everything;
11. "Crows don't peck each other's eyes"
12. "He's an old goat's kid" - You can't fool him/He knows he's business;
There are many others idioms and if you're interested I can post some more.
Best regards
Dan
I'm Italian....and just 3 weeks ago I was in the States...in Boston
Where are u from?.....Could you help me with some american (not english) idioms??
You know, my english teacher sked me to show to the class some american expressions...I got some...but a lot of them exist in English too
BTW the expression that you were asking about "make a movie" I have a sort of idea....I mean I remember something about a Kodak commercial...it was the last sentence of that commercial...I think it was "make your movie!"... I can make you sure that it isn't an italian idioms...I think it meant: kodak is always better and developing so today you can make also a movie just putting together the pictures or a new tecnology by kodak or stuff like that...but I don't think that's an idiom the word "movie" it's just due to the fact it's a prodoct for pictures, tapes..and so on...that kind of things
Bye barbara!!!!!