lost in translation

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be lost in translation
  • get lost in translation
  • translation
  • out of context
  • in the hole for (something)
  • for want of a better word
  • all brawn and no brain
  • brawn
  • slapdash
  • slap-dash
References in periodicals archive
"Lost In Japan & Lost In Translation...YOU'RE SMART," a fan of Mendes said.
Here's what Twitterverse thinks about Shawn Mendes' latest music
In this book, Homay King applies three identifiers to scenes from Sophia Coppola's 2003 film Lost in Translation (p.
King, Homay, Lost in Translation: Orientalism, Cinema, and the Enigmatic Signifier
Since the release of the critically acclaimed Lost in Translation, by Sofia Coppola; blockbuster Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise; and cultish films Kill Bill 1 & 2, by Quentin Tarantino, there are indications of expanding interest in Japan.
The importance of tourist dollars not lost in translation: Hollywood flicks lure visitors Japan-ward
Best Director: 1-20 P Jackson (Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King), 9 S Coppola (Lost in Translation), P Weir (Master And Commander), 16 C Eastwood (Mystic River), 33 F Meirelles (City Of God).
The Oscars: Jackson 1-20 to lord it at Oscars ceremony
Nominated: Big Fish, Tim Burton; Cold Mountain, Anthony Minghella; The Lord of the Rings, Peter Jackson; Lost In Translation, Sofia Coppola
3AM AT THE BAFTAS: THE WINNERS
Lost in Translation is not just Brief Encounter with sushi, but a subtle
GO: CINEMA: EVERYONE'S A CRITIC
Besides Depp and Dinklage, the leading actor contenders are Sean Penn for Mystic River, Bill Murray for Lost in Translation and Sir Ben Kingsley for House of Sand and Fog.
Little actor proves to have a big talent
In Lost In Translation, it's the turn of Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a Hollywood star on the brink of a mid-life crisis, who agrees to pocket $2 million in exchange for endorsing Santoro Whisky.
The Razz: Movie reviews: Eastern promise delivers goods for comedy genius
Lost in Translation has been billed the first must-see movie of 2004.
Eastern promise almost fulfilled
It is a truism that jokes don't travel well, that they are one of the cultural forms most likely to get lost in translation, and the reader here will surely agree.
Humor in Dutch Culture of the Golden Age
Lost in Translation (Sofia Coppola) Sonata for two oddly matched people and a gigantic hotel: The spaces are elegantly deployed, and Bill Murray was never better.
Film
Your interpreter may well understand your football metaphors, but they'll be "lost in translation" and may even cause confusion.
Wait a minute ... do these people speak English?
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Mystic River Seabiscuit
GO: CINEMA: TIME TO GO OSCAR WILD
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Lost in Translation, Master and Commander, Mystic River, Seabiscuit
AND THE NOMINATIONS ARE.
Best Film:Big Fish; Cold Mountain; The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King; Lost In Translation; Master And Commander: The Far Side Of The World.
Full list of contenders