be lost in translation

Of a word or words, to lose the full subtlety of meaning or significance when translated from one language to another, especially when done literally. My friend tried explaining a few French idioms to me, but I'm afraid they were lost in translation. It's amazing how much is lost in translation in the subtitles of foreign films.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Dawid	DAH-veet (Polish)	Polish, Biblical Hebrew
Sissie	SIS-ee	English
Wigbrand	-	Ancient Germanic
Vimala	-	Tamil
Gratiana	-	Ancient Roman
Daireann	-	Irish Mythology