free translation

free translation

A restatement of something that lacks accuracy or nuance. Well, that's a rather free translation of what I said—I was not the slightest bit accusatory. Yes, but in Heather's free translation of the text, she missed some very salient points.
See also: free, translation
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

free translation

 and loose translation
a translation or restatement that is not completely accurate and not well thought out; a translation or restatement done casually. John gave a free translation of what our Japanese client asked for, and we missed the main issue. Anne gave a very free translation of the ancient Chinese poem.
See also: free, translation
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • loose translation
  • not give a hang (about something)
  • not give a hoot
  • not give a hoot (about something)
  • not give two pins (about something)
  • not in the slightest
  • (one) doesn't give a rip (about something)
  • don’t give a rip
  • not care a hang (about something)
References in periodicals archive
A dedicated area on the show offers a free translation service and pre-arranged meetings.
She then notes how Dante does not follow any one praxis for translation (word-for-word, literal, or free translation), but adopts different approaches for different texts.
Companies like Google and Facebook have invested in providing their sites in many languages and have offered free translation tools.
Kiev, Ukraine, February 12, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Mobile Translate provides free translation online browsing by phone, tablet, Mac or PC.
The free translation ('he said to them') does not match the Siraya text that says 'he said to him' (tini-an, 3S-OBL).
Offering free translation during the soccer event won't just be a public service; it's also a great opportunity for brands to get international publicity, said One Hour Translation CEO Ofer Shoshan.
The Romanian language thus becomes available in a free translation application of a European institution, the purpose being the correct implementation of the European legislation--treaties, directives and regulations adopted by the European Union.
"We can only speak of a truly straight path once the rotten system has been changed, the corruption corrected and the wrong made right" (my free translation).
(1) In English 'Free Translation Technology Research Team'.
In translating and adapting Wuthering Heights, Chang avoids word for word translation by adopting relatively free translation as unmistakably evidenced in dialogues.
4, free translation. Available in: <http://www.law.umich.edu/centersandprograms/elsc/abstracts/pages/papers.aspx>.
"Russia 1812," Lowell's superb free translation in rhymed couplets of Victor Hugo "L'expiation," moves from the invasion to the retreat.
Yihye Tovin free translation "It's all gonna be fine"penned by poet and humorist Yehonatan Geffen may as well be the anthem of [Young Judaea Camp] Tel Yehuda.