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
Lowry	['lauəri]
Liudvika	-	Lithuanian
Leoncio	le-ON-thyo (Spanish), le-ON-syo (Latin American Spanish)	Spanish
Dyan	-	English
Lilliana	lil-ee-AN-ə	English (Modern)
Vassilis	-	Greek