lost in translation



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lost in translation

Of a word or words, having lost or lacking the full subtlety of meaning or significance when translated from the original language to another, especially when done literally. (Usually formulated as "be/get lost in translation.") My friend tried explaining a few French idioms to me, but I'm afraid they were lost in translation. Online translation tools are pretty amazing, but a lot gets lost in translation this way.
See also: lost, translation

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Nickerson['nikəsn]
Leigh[li:]
Folami-Western African, Yoruba
Sanjib-Bengali
ImogeneIM-ə-jeenEnglish
Wolodymyr-Ukrainian