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.

Of a word or words, to lose the full subtlety of meaning or significance when translated from one language to another, especially when done literally. My friend tried explaining a few French idioms to me, but I'm afraid they were lost in translation. It's amazing how much is lost in translation in the subtitles of foreign films.

Of a word or words, to lose the full subtlety of meaning or significance when translated from one language to another, especially when done literally. My friend tried explaining a few French idioms to me, but I'm afraid they got lost in translation. It's amazing how much gets lost in translation in the subtitles of foreign films.

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.

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