Why some idioms are impossible to translate literally
In short: Language is rarely a 1:1 exchange of meaning. When we translate, we often encounter phrases that defy logic if taken at face value. From tomatoes on eyes to shrimp sandwiches, these linguistic quirks reveal how different cultures encode the same human experiences through wildly unique imagery.
Idioms are defined by the fact that they mean significantly more than the sum of their individual words. Because they rely on cultural context and shared history rather than literal definitions, they present a massive hurdle for translators. For example, when TED volunteers translate talks into over 105 languages, they must navigate these 'untranslatable' expressions to ensure the core message remains intact while finding an equivalent emotional resonance in the target language. German and Swedish provide striking examples of this linguistic divergence.
A German speaker might say "Tomaten auf den Augen haben," which literally translates to having tomatoes on one's eyes, but actually describes someone failing to see what is obvious. Similarly, the phrase "Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof" suggests a person only understands the train station, yet it serves as a way to communicate that they don't understand a single word of what is being said.
Swedish offers even more surreal imagery for common situations. To describe someone who achieved success without putting in any effort, one might say they "glida in på en räkmacka," or slid in on a shrimp sandwich. If you want to tell someone not to worry, you could claim there is no cow on the ice ("Det är ingen ko på isen") or that there is no danger on the roof ("Det är ingen fara på taket"). These phrases highlight how human experience—like buying something without inspecting it first (buying a cat in a sack) or failing to complete a shared task (it fell between chairs)—is universal, but the metaphors we use to describe those moments are deeply rooted in specific cultural landscapes. Translators must bridge these gaps by moving beyond literal words to find the underlying intent.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Foreign Phrases That English Speakers Don't Understand
- Also: 40 brilliant idioms that simply can’t be translated literally | TED Blog
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-foreign-phrases-that-english-speakers-don-t-understand.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
