Surely you’ve heard at least one of these English idioms:
- It’s raining cats and dogs
- Don’t cry over spilled milk
- It cost me an arm and a leg
By definition, idioms are phrases with culturally-understood meanings that aren’t meant to be taken literally. They’re basically fun and interesting ways of expressing your thoughts.
Below are 10 fascinating idioms derived from cultures across the globe.
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Polish
Idiom: Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy.
Translation: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Meaning: Not my problem.
German
Idiom: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei.
Translation: Everything has one end, only the sausage has two.
Meaning: Everything comes to an end.
Japanese
Idiom: 猿も木から落ちる.
Translation: Even monkeys fall from trees.
Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes.
Icelandic
Idiom: Ég tók hann í bakaríið.
Translation: I took him to the bakery.
Meaning: I told him off.
Spanish
Idiom: Mucho ruido y pocas nueces.
Translation: A lot of noise and no walnuts.
Meaning: All talk and no action.
SEE ALSO: Translation Mistakes with Huge Consequences
Swedish
Idiom: Finns det hjärterum så finns det stjärterum.
Translation: If there is room in the heart, there is room for the butt.
Meaning: If we care about you, we’ll make room for you to join us.
Cantonese
Idiom: 眼饞肚飽.
Translation: Greedy eyes, full stomach.
Meaning: To bite off more than you can chew.
Indonesian
Idiom: Sambil menyelam, minum air.
Translation: While diving, drink water.
Meaning: Accomplish two things at once.
French
Idiom: Donner sa langue au chat.
Translation: To give one’s tongue to the cat.
Meaning: To not be able to guess.
Related Video: Funny French Sayings
Arabic
Idiom: يعطى الخبز ل خبازه.
Translation: Give the bread to the baker.
Meaning: Don’t give someone a task they can’t do.
Do you know any more idioms in different languages? Share in the comments below!
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