Slang is a type of language consisting of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal are more common in speech than writing, even though some writers use it a lot.
Absobloodylutely
Absobloodylutely in Catalan: oi tant; i tant!; Ja ho pots ben dir; ja hi pots pujar de peus… Even efectiviwonder.
Aggro
Aggro in Catalan: Mal rotllo, brega ( “bronca”)
Airy-fairy
Airy-fairy in Catalan = cap de pardals
All gravy
All gravy in Catalan = Collonut, tot bé, tot va bé, de put* mare (the missing word is an “a”)
(to pull an) All nighter
To pull an all nighter in Catalan = passar la nit en blanc. to pull an all nighter (partying) and then going to work/study = empalmar
Amazeballs
Amazeballs in Catalan = Brutal, la hòstia, que t’hi cagues.
Ankle-biter
Ankle-biter in Catalan = marrec, menut(s), Ankle-biters = mainada
Anorak
Anorak in Catalan: raret/a, friky
(to go) ape
(to) go ape in Catalan: empipar-se com una mona.
Arse
Arse in Catalan: Cul
Arse-licker (arse-kisser)
Arse-licker in Catalan = pilota, llepa-culs.
Arseholed
Arsholed in Catalan: Piripi
Arty-farty (Artsy)
Artsy-farty or arty in Catalan: culturetes
(to get the) axe / ax
To get the axe in Catalan = fer fora; ser acomiadat
Baccy
Bacci in Catalan: paper de tabac (or tabac de liar)
Bloke
Bloke in Catalan: paio
Bog
in Catalan: vàter
Bog roll
Bog roll in Catalan: Paper de vàter
Botched
Botched in Catalan: anar-se’n a la merda, en orris
Dog’s bollocks
Dog’s bollocks in Catalan: la hòstia
Barmy
Similar to Bonkers. Barmy in Catalan: com un llum.
Cheesed off
Cheesed off in Catalan: ratllat/da
Chips
Chips in Catalan: : patates fregides
Ricky Gervais British English Slang
Chock-a-block
Chock-a-block = crowded Chock-a-block in Catalan: de gom a gom
Chuffed
Chuffed = very happy, very pleased Chuffed in Catalan: Encantat
Codswallop
Codswallop = Bollocks. Codswallop in Catalan: Collonades
Dishy
Dishy in Catalan: està bo; atractiu, guapo
Dodgy
Dodgy in Catalan: xungo
Dosh
Dosh in Catalan: Pasta
Fag
Fag = cigarette. Fag in Catalan = piti
Know your onions
Know your onions = saber el que et fas / saber el que et fas
Fluke
Fluke in Catalan = xamba, sort
Full of beans
Full of beans = pletòric, ple d’energia
Hard lines
Hard lines in Catalan: mala sort, anar mal dades (22)
Tocat del Bolet (Nuts) is a blog that aims to promote and share Catalan language and culture throughout its most typical expressions, in a fun and informative way.
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English language idioms illustrated and translated to other languages
An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g. over the hill, at the drop of a hat ). Here is a list of the most popular idioms in English translated to other languages and illustrated, some of them with a touch of humour. Enjoy yourself!
Add insult to injury
(to) Add insult to injury = to make a bad situation even worse Catalan: according to the context, it may translate to per si no fos prou, ficar el dit a la llaga or per acabar-ho d’arrodonir/d’adobar (said ironically) French: pour couronner le tout Galician: Aínda por riba German: Salz in die Wunde streuen Spanish: Para colmo de males
A little bird told me
A Little bird told me = someone gave me a piece of information about something that is supposed to be secret Catalan: Un ocellet m’ha dit… French: mon petit doigt m’a dit Spanish: Un pajarito me ha dicho.
All ears
(to be) All ears = (to) listen actively Catalan: sóc tot orelles French: tout ouïe German: Ich bin ganz Ohr Italian: tutto orecchie Portuguese: todo ouvidos Spanish: todo oídos
An arm and a leg
(to cost) An arm and a leg = very expensive Catalan: costar un ull de la cara French: coûter les yeux de la tête German: eine Stange Geld kosten Italian: Costare un occhio della testa Spanish: Costar un riñón
A needle in a haystack
A needle in a haystack = something that is almost impossible to find because it is hidden among so many other things. Catalan: una agulla en un paller French: chercher une aiguille dans une botte de foin German: Nadel im Heuhaufen Italian: ago in un pagliaio Macedonian: и́гла во стог се́но Portuguese: agulha num palheiro Spanish: Aguja en un pajar
This one is easy to find
A penny for your thoughts
A penny for your thoughts = used to ask someone what they are thinking about. There are no exact equivalents, but we can use these expressions in other languages to convey the same meaning: Catalan: En què penses? French: à quoi penses-tu en ce moment Spanish: ¿En qué estás pensando?
As fit as a fiddle
A short fuse
A short fuse = have a tendency to lose one’s temper quickly, to have a short temper Catalan: ser de sang calenta French: se mettre en rogne facilement German: jähzornig sein Spanish: de sangre caliente.
At the drop of a hat
At the drop of a hat = right away Catalan: en un tres i no-res. French: sans hésiter Galician: Axiña, decontado German: sofort, unverzüglich Italian: immediatamente, subito Portuguese: na hora Romanian: imediat, îndată Scottish Gaelic: anns a’ bhad, sa bhad, gu grad Spanish: Ipso facto
If you need help, just call me. I can come at the drop of a hat.
Bite the bullet
(to) bite the bullet in Catalan: fer el cor fort French: Serrer les dents, trouver le courage de faire [qch] German: die Kröte schlucken Italian: farsi cuore Portuguese: Cerrar os dentes Spanish: Hacer de tripas corazón
Brand new
French: flambant neuf German: nagelneu, brandneu Scottish Irish: amach ón tsnáthaid, (of garment) as an bhfilleadh Spanish: recién estrenado, sin estrenar, flamante
Butterflies in my stomach
Butterflies in my stomach = to be uneasy, nervous Catalan = tenir papallones a la panxa French: avoir le trac Spanish: tener mariposas en el estómago German: Schmetterlinge im Bauch haben Spanish: mariposas en el estómago
Back to the drawing board
Back to the drawing board = to start again or try another idea. It is similar to Back to square one or to start from scratch Catalan: sant tornem-hi French: parler pour ne rien dire German: Fangen wir noch mal von vorne an Spanish: volver a la casilla de salida
Ball is in your court
Ball is in your court = It is up to you to make a move. Catalan: la pilota és a la teva taulada. French: la balle est dans son camp German: eine Stange Geld kosten Italian: tocca a te Spanish: la pelota está en tu tejado
Bark up the wrong tree
(to) Bark up the wrong tree = to have a wrong idea Catalan: errar el tret, anar desencaminat French: faire fausse route, se mettre le doigt dans l’œil, miser sur le mauvais cheval German: auf dem Holzweg sein Portuguese: bater à porta errada, bater na porta errada Spanish: llamar a la puerta equivocada, errar el tiro.
Beat around the bush
(to) beat around the bush = to avoid talking about what is really important and instead talk about other things Catalan: anar-se’n per les branques French: tourner autour du pot German: um den heißen Brei herumreden Italian: menare il can per l’aia Spanish: andarse con rodeos
Bend over backwards
(to) bend over backwards= make every effort to achieve something, especially to be helpful Catalan: fer mans i mànigues French: Se mettre en quatre German: sich ein Bein ausreißen Italian: farsi in quattro Spanish: remover cielo y tierra
Bite off more than one can chew
Bite off more than one can chew = to take on a task that is way too big. Catalan: estirar més el braç que la màniga. French: Qui trop embrasse, mal étreint. Spanish: El que mucho abarca, poco aprieta German: Wer zu viel fasst, lässt viel fallen Italian: Chi troppo vuole nulla stringe. Portuguese: Quem muito abarca pouco abraça.
Blow smoke
(to) Blow smoke = (to) deliberately confuse or deceive Catalan: Marejar la perdiu French: parler pour ne rien dire German: jdm. etwas vormachen Spanish: marear la perdiz
Break a leg!
Break a leg! = have luck (said to actors before they go on stage) Catalan: molta merda! French: Je te dis merde! German: Hals- und Beinbruch! Italian: in bocca al lupo! Portuguese: Merda! Spanish: ¡Mucha mierda!
Bundle of nerves
Bundle of nerves = somebody who is extremely anxious or tense. Catalan: un sac de nervis Basque: Buru gabeko oiloak bezala gabiltza Gaelic Irish: bheith an-neirbhíseach French: un paquet de nerfs German: ein Bündel Nerven Italian: un fascio di nervi Portuguese: uma pilha de nervos Mandarin Chinese: 紧张不安的人 Russian: клубок нервов
By the skin of your teeth
By the skin of your teeth = by a very narrow margin; only just Catalan: pels pèls French: de justesse; (colloquial) d’un poil German: mit Ach und Krach Italian: per un pelo Scottish Gaelic: air èiginn Spanish: por los pelos
Cat got your tongue?
Cat got your tongue? = expression used to ask someone why they are not saying anything Catalan: Que se t’ha menjat la llengua el gat? Chinese: 你成了啞巴了嗎？(literally, have you become dumb?) German: Du hast wohl die Sprache verloren? Italian: Il gatto ti ha mangiato la lingua? Russian: язы́к проглоти́л? (literally, “did you swallow your tongue?”) Spanish: ¿Te ha comido la lengua el gato?
(to get) Cold feet
Fer-se enrere, acollonir-se (CAT); Être moins chaud pour qch (FR); kalte Füße bekommen (GE) Echarse atrás, acojonarse (SP)
Crying wolf
Crying wolf : someone who continues asking for help when they don’t really need it, with the result that people think they don’t need help when they actually need it. Catalan: que ve el llop! Queixar-se per no-res. Plora-miques. French: crier au loup Spanish: Que viene el lobo.
Cut some slack
Cut someone some slack : to give some some leeway in their conduct. Catalan: donar una mica de marge French: grappe à [qqn] (colloquial); être indulgent envers [qqn] German: mit jdm. nachsichtig sein Spanish: dar cuartelillo.
Draw the line
(to) Draw the line: to set a limit on what you are willing to do or accept. Catalan: marcar una línia vermella. French: tracer un trait German: einen Trennungsstrich ziehen zwischen Spanish: poner límites
Easier said than done
Easier said than done: sth that is uncomplicated to propose, but difficult to accomplish. Catalan: més fàcil dir-ho que fer-ho French: plus facile à dire qu’à faire German: leichter gesagt als getan Portuguese: più facile a dirsi che a farsi Spanish: del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho
Fish out of water
Fish out of water = to feel uncomfortable in a situation Catalan: peix fora de l’aigua French: Poisson hors de l’eau German: fehl am Platz Spanish: Pez fuera del agua (SP)
Gift of tongues
Gift of tongues = to be gifted for languages Catalan: (tenir) Do de llengües
Get goosebumps
(to) get goosebumps = the body hair stands on end as the result of an intense feeling Catalan: pell de gallina French: Avoir la chair de poule Spanish: Ponerse la piel de gallina German: Ich bekam eine Gänsehaut. (I got goosebumps) Italian: venire la pelle d’oca. Portuguese: arrepiar-se Basque: oilo-ipurdi.
Go the extra mile
(to) Go the extra mile = to make an extra effort. Catalan: fer un esforç extra. French: Se mettre en quatre German: noch einen Schritt weiter gehen Spanish: hacer un esfuerzo extra
Hit the books
(to) Hit the books = to study Catalan: fer colzes French: potasser German: die Nase in die Bücher stecken Spanish: empollar; estudiar
(to) hit the books
Hit the sack / hay / bed
(to) Hit the sack / hay / bed = go to bed Catalan: Anar a dormir, anar a clapar, a fer nones French: Se pieuter German: ins Bett gehen sich in die Falle hauen Italian: assopirsi, appisolarsi Spanish: Irse al sobre; irse a la cama
Hit the nail on the head
(to) hit the nail on the head in Chinese: Mandarin: 一針見血 (zh), 一针见血 (zh) (yīzhēnjiànxiě) (draw blood on the first prick) (to) hit the nail on the head in Catalan: Justa la fusta (just to the whip); clavar-la (to nail it). (to) hit the nail on the head in Czech: uhodit hřebíček na hlavičku, udeřit hřebíček na hlavičku (to hit the cloves on the head, to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in Danish: ramme hovedet på sømmet (to hit the head on the seam). (to) hit the nail on the head in Dutch: de spijker op de kop slaan (to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in Finnish: osua naulan kantaan (to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in French: faire mouche (literally, to do the fly). (to) hit the nail on the head in German: den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen ((to hit the nail on the head). (to) hit the nail on the head in Hungarian: fején találja a szöget (hu) (to) hit the nail on the head in Icelandic: hitta naglann á höfuðið, eiga kollgátuna, hitta í mark, koma orðum að kjarna máls, tilgreina kjarna máls (to) hit the nail on the head in Italian: colpire nel segno (to hit the mark). (to) hit the nail on the head in Lithuanian: durti kaip pirštu į akį (prick as finger in the eye) (to) hit the nail on the head in Polish: trafić w sedno (to hit the nail) (to) hit the nail on the head in Portuguese: acertar em cheio (literally, to fully hit). (to) hit the nail on the head in Russian: попа́сть не в бровь а в глаз (popástʹ ne v brovʹ a v glaz) (hit not the brow but the eye), попа́сть в то́чку (popástʹ v tóčku) (hit the spot) (to) hit the nail on the head in Spanish: dar en el blanco (to hit the bullseye), dar en el clavo (to hit the nail); clavarlo (to nail it) (to) hit the nail on the head in Swedish: slå huvudet på spiken (to turn your head on the nail). (to) hit the nail on the head in Basque: bete-betean asmatu (fully invented), erdiz erdi asmatu (half invented)
Hot potato
A hot potato = controversial issue or situation which is awkward to deal with, so everybody is trying to avoid it. Catalan: Patata calenta. French: une patate chaude German: heißes Eisen n Spanish: patata caliente
In minute detail
In minute detail: paying careful attention to the smallest details Catalan: amb tots els ets i uts; fil per randa French: dans les moindre détails German: bis ins kleinste Detail Spanish: minuciosamente; con pelos y señales
In the nick of time
In the nick of time = Just in time Catalan: just a temps French: juste-à-temps German: in der allerletzten Sekunde Portuguese: No último instante Spanish: en el último momento
In touch
(to keep) In touch = to be in communication with someone and get up-to-date knowledge Catalan: en contacte French: être/ rester en contact German: mit jdm./etw. in Kontakt stehen Portuguese: em contacto Spanish: en contacto
Itchy feet
Jump on the bandwagon
Let bygones be bygones
Let bygones be bygones = to forget past conflicts and be reconciled. Catalan: fer creu i ratlla. French: Passer l’éponge German: die Vergangenheit ruhen lassen Irish Gaelic: an rud atá thart bíodh sé thart Spanish: pelillos a la mar
Like two peas in a pod
Like two peas in a pod = very similar Catalan: com dues gotes d’aigua French: Comme deux gouttes d’eau German: ein Ei dem anderen Romanian: ca două picături de apă Portuguese: cara de um, focinho de outro Spanish: como dos gotas de agua
Glad to see the back of
(to be) glad to see the back of…= (to) be happy to get rid of someone . Similar to good riddanceCatalan: Bon vent i barca nova French: bon débarras (fr), bon vent (fr) Italian: a mai più rivederci Spanish: a enemigo que huye, puente de plata, Anda, vete por ahi
Not my cup of tea
(It is) Not my cup of tea: used to refer to something that yu don’t like or are not interested in Catalan: No em fa el pes, No és sant de la meva devoció. Chinese (Mandarin): 不是我的菜 (literally, This is not my dish) Czech: 不是我的菜 (literally, This is not my dish). French: C’est (pas) mon truc (literally, it’s not my thing), to say that you don’t like something. The familiar C’est (pas) mon délire (literally, It’s not my delirium) works as well in circles of young friends. Another familiar expression is C’est (pas) mon dada(literally, It’s not my hobby) German: Das ist nicht mein Ding (literally, It is not my thing) Italian: Non è il mio genere (literally, It is not my genre) Japanese: 好みではない (pronounced Konomide wanai, literally, It doesn´t enter my ki) Malay: Bukan bidang aku la (literally, not my field) (Brazilian) Portuguese: Não é minha praia (literally, this is not my beach) Russian: Это не моё / Это не в моём вкусе, pronounced Eto ne moyo / Eto ne v moyom vkuse (Literally: It’s not mine / It’s not to my liking). Spanish: No es santo de mi devotión (literally, He is not a saint of my devotion)
Once in a blue moon
Once in a blue moon = very rarely Catalan: Molt de tant en tant German: alle Jubeljahre einmal French: tous les trente-six du mois German: alle Jubeljahre einmal Spanish: Raras veces, cada muerte de obispo.
On the ball
(to be) On the ball = to be alert, focused Catalan: Estar al cas , alerta French: être éveillé(e), être vif (vive) German: am Ball sein Spanish: estar al loro
To have other fish to fry
Out of the blue
Piece of cake
Piece of cake = very easy Catalan: és bufar i fer ampolles, està tirat, està xupat German: Kinderspiel, Pillepalle, ein Klacks Italian: gioco da ragazzi, una cosa da niente, come bere un bicchier d’acqua, gioco da bambini Portuguese: ser molezaSpanish: está chupado, coser y cantar
Put my two cents
(to) put my two cents / (to) put in my two-penny worth used to preface a tentative statement of one’s opinion Catalan: dir la meva/seva/nostra/vostra French: mes deux cents (my two cents), grain de sel German: seinen Senf dazugeben Spanish: decir algo
Rain buckets
(to) rain buckets, also (to) rain cats and dogs (old-fashioned)= (to) rain heavily Catalan: Ploure a bots i barrals French: pleuvoir des cordes, pleuvoir à verse, pleuvoir des hallebardes, pleuvoir comme vache qui pisse, (Québec) pleuvoir à boire debout, (Belgium) dracher German: German: Bindfäden regnen, in Strömen regnen, aus allen Kannen gießen, aus allen Kannen schütten, es schüttet wie aus Eimern Italian: piovere a catinelle, diluviare, scrosciare, piovere come Dio la manda Portuguese: o céu vir abaixo, chover a cântaros (pt) (Portugal), chover a potes (Portugal), cair um toró (Brazil), chover canivetes (Brazil) Spanish: llover a cántaros Welsh: bwrw hen wragedd â ffyn
There is no silver bullet
French: Il n’y a pas de solution miracle Spanish: No hay solución milagrosa
Sit on the fence
(to) sit on the fence = avoid making decisions or choices; remain neutral Catalan: No decidir-se, ser equidistant, no mullar-se French: ménager la chèvre et le chou German: zwischen den Fronten stehen Portuguese: em cima do muro Spanish: estar indeciso, no mojarse
Steal one’s thunder
(to) steal one’s thunder = To appropriate someone’s ideas, typically in order to be more popular. Catalan: atribuir-se el mèrit French: s’attribuer les mérites Spanish: atribuirse el mérito
Take it easy
(to) Take it easy = Calm down, keep your hair on Catalan: (pren-t’ho amb) calma, trankiChinese (Mandarin): 休息 (zh) (xiūxi) Galician: relaxar German: sich entspannen Portuguese: sossegar Russian: расслабля́ться (ru) impf (rasslabljátʹsja), рассла́биться (ru) pf (rasslábitʹsja) Scottish Gaelic: gabh socair Spanish: (tómatelo con) calma, tranquilo/a, tranki
Under the weather
Under the weather = slightly unwell or in low spirits. Catalan: estar moix , no estar fi/na French: ne pas être dans son assiette Galician: indisposto German: angeschlagen Italian: indisposto Spanish: indispuesto, pachucho.
Up in the air
Up in the air = still to be settled Catalan: en l’aire, el més calent és a l’aigüerta French: être assez vague German: Es ist alles noch offen (literally, Everything is still open) Spanish: en el aire
Walk on eggshells
(to) walk on eggshells: (to) be extremely cautious about one’s words or actions Catalan: Anar amb peus de plom French: Marcher sur des œufs German: wie auf Eiern gehen Spanish: Andarse con cuidado
When pigs fly
When pigs fly: Referencing the unlikelihood that something will ever happen Catalan: Quan les gallines pixin French: Quand les poules auront des dents German: wenn Ostern und Pfingsten auf einen Tag fallen (de) (literally “when Easter and Pentecost fall on the same day”) Italian: quando gli asini voleranno (literally “when donkeys fly”), alle calende greche (literally “on the Greek calends”) Russian: когда́ рак на горе́ сви́стнет (ru) (kogdá rak na goré svístnet, literally “when a crayfish whistles on the mountain”) Spanish: cuando las vacas vuelen; cuando las ranas críen pelo.
This post will be regularly updated with new idioms.
It’s not my cup of tea. Definition, examples and equivalents in other languages.
You say that something is not your cup of tea when it is unconvincing or fails to satisfy. It is mostly used in the negative form, but you can also use it in the positive form to say that you like something. An equivalent expression in English is It doesn’t float my boat. You can say it in positive (for instance, Ok, whatever floats your boat) or in the negative form.
Examples
Football is not my cup of tea, but my brother loves it.
Rococo staircases are not my cup of tea.
Hip Hop is much more my cup of tea than techno music.
It is not my cup of tea in other languages.
It is not my cup of tea in Catalan
In Catalan, a very usual and idiomatic equivalent expression for It is not my cup of tea is No em fa el pes (literally, it doesn’t do me the weight) or No m’acaba de fer el pes (literally, It fails to do me the weight). Yeah, we know it sounds weird, but it is quite widespread.
It is not my cup of tea in (Mandarin) Chinese
The equivalent idiom in Mandarin Chinese is 不是我的菜 (literally, This is not my dish).
It is not my cup of tea in Czech
In Czech you can say Není to můj šálek kávy/čaje (literally, It’s not my cup of coffee/tea).
It is not my cup of tea in French
In French, just like in English, you can say Ce n’est pas ma tasse de thé (literally, It is not my cup of tea) or C’est (pas) mon truc (FR) (literally, it’s not my thing), to say that you don’t like something. The familiar C’est (pas) mon délire (literally, It’s not my delirium) works as well in circles of young friends. Another familiar expression is C’est (pas) mon dada (literally, It’s not my hobby), which is older. It works in negative form but is mostly used affirmatively.
It is not my cup of tea in German
In German you can say Das ist nicht mein Ding (literally, It is not my thing).
It is not my cup of tea in Italian
In Italian you can say Non fa per me (literally, it does not do for me). It is very similar to the Catalan expression No fa per mi. Other expressions in Italian you may use to express the same idea are Non è il mio genere (literally, It is not my genre), Non è il mio forte (Informal, literally, It is not my strength), Non è roba per me (colloquial and slightly regional, literally, These are not clothes for me), Non è di mio gradimento (formal, literally, It is not my liking), Non è di mio gusto (formal, literally, It is not of my taste).
It is not my cup of tea in Japanese
In Japanese you can say 好みではない (pronounced Konomide wanai, literally, It doesn´t enter my ki).
It is not my cup of tea in Malay
In Malai language you can say Bukan bidang aku la (literally, not my field).
It is not my cup of tea in (Brazilian) Portuguese
In Brazilian Portuguese the equivalent expression is Não é minha praia (literally, this is not my beach).
It is not my cup of tea in Russian
It is not my cup of tea in Russian is Это не моё / Это не в моём вкусе, pronounced Eto ne moyo / Eto ne v moyom vkuse (Literally: It’s not mine / It’s not to my liking).
It is not my cup of tea in Spanish
In Spanish you may say No es santo de mi devotión (literally, He is not a saint of my devotion) or No es plato de mi gusto (literally, It is not a dish of my taste *).
And that’s pretty much it. Thank you for visiting Nuts (Tocat del Bolet)!
Jeepers creepers. Meaning. Examples. Jeepers creepers in other languages.
Meaning
Jeepers Creepers or just jeepers or creepers is an expression of surprise or annoyance derived from Jesus Christ. You use this exclamation especially if there are kids around or you are from the 1950s. It is similar to Darn it!
Examples
Jeepers creepers! He just shot Albert!
Jeepers creepers! He’s done it again!
Jeepers creepers in Catalan
Vatua l’olla! (literally, Oh pot!). Also, Mare de Déu (literally, mother of God) or Alsa Manela (Wow Manela!).
Jeepers creepers in French
In French you can say zut (literally, cursed, although its meaning can vary considerably depending on the context), Mille misères! (literally, athousand miseries!), or even the multi-purpose Merde! “(Literally, shit! ).
Jeepers creepers in German
In German you can use Mensch! (Literally, “man!”), which is an exclamation of surprise.
Jeepers creepers in Italian
In Italian you can say Capperacci (something along the lines of Jeepers creepers or Damn it), or Cavoli! (literally, sprouts!). For example: Capperacci, sober ubriaco! (Jeepers Creepers, I’m drunk!).
Jeepers creepers in Mandarin Chinese
In Mandarin Chinese you can say 哎呀 (pronounced tiān nǎ, āiy ā, which is used to express astonishment and translates literally as oh, God!). For example: 哎呀, 看看 都 几点 了! 我 要 晚 了! (Jeepers creepers! Look at the time! I’m late!).
Jeepers creepers in Portuguese
In Portuguese we can say carpa or eh pá! which are also expressions of surprise or annoyance.
Jeepers creepers in Spanish
In Spanish you can say ¡Córcholis!,¡Recórcholis!,¡Mecachis! ¡Carajo!… And also ¡Caray!O ¡Cásita! For instance: Recórcholis, ¡no hay manera! (Jeepers creepers, there’s no way to do it!).
Animal idioms illustrated and translated to Catalan
Ants in one’s pants
(to) be restless, uneasy. Catalan: un sac de nervis (literally, a bag of nerves).
Red herring
A misleading clue or piece of information. Catalan: pista falsa (literally, false clue).
(the) birds and the bees
Sex education. Catalan: la cigonya (literally, the stork)
White elephant
An unwated or annoying possession. Catalan: Regal enverinat (literally, poisoned gift)
… And while we’re at it, some jokes about elephants:
What did the elephant say to a naked man? Hey that’s cute but can you breath through it? What’s grey, stands in a river when it rains and doesn’t get wet? An elephant with an umbrella! Why does an elephant wear sneakers? So that he can sneak up on mice!
Cat nap
A short sleep. Catalan: fer una becaina (literally, to take a nap)
As happy as a clam
Very happy. Catalan: content com un gínjol (literally, happy as a jujube).
Fishy
Odd, strange, suspicious. Catalan: (hi ha) gat amagat (literally, there’s a hidden cat here).
While we’re at it, a fish joke:
What did the fish say when he posted bail? “I’m off the hook!”
One trick pony
Someone who has only one ability or good quality . Catalan: there is no equivalent, the literal translation is Poni d’un sol truc.
A different kettle of fish
A completely different thing, topic or subject (very similar to a horse of a different colour). Catalan: figues d’un altre paner (literally, figs from another pannier or basket)
A horse of a different color
A completely different thing, topic or subject (very similar to a different kettle of fish). Catalan: figues d’un altre paner (literally, figs from another pannier or basket).
A guinea pig
Someone used as part of an experiment or trial. Catalan: conillet d’indies)
While we are are it, here is a joke about guinea pigs…
Q: When do guinea pigs run away from rain? A: When its raining cats and dogs!
Weasel out
(to) abandon their responsibility or commitment in a way that is sneaky or cowardly. Catalan: escaquejar-se (colloquial, literally, to cop out).
While we are at it, here is a joke about weasels:
A 13 year old weasel walks into a bar and approaches the counter. The bartender immediately notices the underage weasel. “Sir, you look extremely young. I can’t serve you even a single beer.” “Oh c’mon. You can’t just slide me one?” “Can’t and will not serve to anyone under age.” “Fine. Well what other things do you have?” “Well for non-alcoholics I have tap water and bottled water, I have coffee, and I have pop. Which would you like?” “Pop.” Goes the weasel.
Wouldn’t hurt a fly
A very peaceful and non-violent person. Catalan: No li faria mal a una mosca (literally, wouldn’t hurt a fly).
While we’re at it, here is two jokes about flies:
What is the difference between a fly and a bird? A bird can fly but a fly can’t bird!
What do you call a fly that is ill? Answer: The flew
Mad as a hornet
Extremely angry or upset. Catalan: empipat com una mona (angry as a monkey).
I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!
Also Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! Used to express complete surprise, amazement or disbelief . Catalan: N’hi ha per a llogar-hi cadires (literally, there is to rent chairs!) or Me’n faig creus (literally, I make myself crosses).
A cock-and-bull story
An exaggerated or falsified story or explanation. Catalan: un sopar de duro (literally, a one coin dinner).
Meaning. Examples. Equivalents in other languages.
Meaning
You can’t get blood out of a stone or You can’t get blood from a stone means that it is pointless to expect positive results from someone or something that doesn’t have the will, the ability or the resources.
Examples
Persuading Mary to come to the party is like getting blood from a stone.
Getting him to come clean is like trying to get blood out of a stone.
You can’t get blood out of a stone in Catalan
You can’t get blood out of a stone in French
C’est comme se heurter à un mur (literally, It’s like hitting your head against a wall).
You can’t get blood out of a stone in Irish Gaelic
Is doiligh olann a bhaint de ghabhar ( literally, it’s hard to get wool off a goat).
Nuts meaning, examples, synonyms. Nuts in other languages.
Meaning
Nuts, in a figurative sense, means to be crazy or foolish. You can go nuts (go crazy) or something can drive you nuts (crazy). It also means to be very enthusiastic about something.
She went nuts when she won the lottery. He lost all the money just one year after.
I sometimes go nuts when people touch my stuff.
I’mnuts about boardgames, specially Settlers of Catan.
Nuts in Catalan
In Catalan you can say tocat del bolet (literally,touched by a mushroom) for Nuts or estar tocat del bolet for (to) be nuts. You can also say et falta un bull (literally, you lack a boil) or estàs com un llum (literally, you are like a light) or even estàs com una cabra (literally, you are like a goat).
Nuts in Basque language
In Basque language we have a number of choices: burutik eginda egon, (burutik) jota egon, (burutik) eraginda egon, (burutik) ondo egon ez, (burutik) sano egon ez, harrikadea euki/harrikada eduki (hum.), ganbaratik ondo egon ez (hum.), burua pitzatuta eduki, zoratuta egon.
Nuts in French
In French you can say complètement cinglé(e) o complètement à la masse. For example: Mon Dieu, il est complètement cinglé! (OMG, he’s gone completely nuts!)
Nuts in Italian
In Italian, there is the expression Passo. For instance, No, allora sì che crederanno davvero che sono pazzo (Now they will think that I’ve really gone nuts).
Nuts in Irish Gaelic
Depending on the context, in Irish Gaelic nuts can be:
as do mheabhair
craiceáilte
ar mire
bailithe
He’s completely nuts: tá sé glan as a mheabhair, tá sé iomlán craiceáilte, tá sé ar mire glan She went nuts: chaill sí an bloc, spréach sí, chuaigh sí ar mire It’s driving me nuts: tá sé do mo chur soir, tá sé do mo chur as mo mheabhair
Nuts in German
(to) be nuts in German is Spinnen (informal): (to) go nuts is durchdrehen or anfangen zu spinnen.
Nuts in Scottish Gaelic
In Scots Gaelic, Nuts is Cnóthan(as in nuts/bolts; walnuts etc.) As in crazy/nuts, craicte.
Nuts in Spanish
In Spanish you can say estar como un cencerro (literally, to be like a cowbell). You can also say chiflado (loony, whacky) or estar como unacabra (literally, to be like a goat).
(to) sleep like a log: meaning, synonyms, example and translations to other languages
Meaning
(to) sleep like a log means to sleep like a baby, like a rock, like a top… that is to say, to sleep heavily, long and without disturbance.
Example
You slept like a log. You didn’t even hear the storm.
(to) sleep like a log in Catalan
In Catalan you can say either Dormir com un tronc (literally, to sleep like a log) or Dormir com un soc (literally, to sleep like a stump). You can also say Dormir com un bebè (to sleep like a baby).
(to) sleep like a log in French
In French it is Dormir comme un loir (literally, to sleep like a dormouse). A dormouse is a rodent of the family Gliridae that likes sleeping very much.
Dormouse
(to) sleep like a log in Portuguese
In Portuguese, like in English, there is the idiom Dormir como uma pedra (literally, to sleep like a rock).
Dormir como uma pedra (Portuguese)
(to) sleep like a log in Spanish
In Spanish it is Dormir como un lirón (literally, to sleep like a dormouse) or Dormir como un ceporro (literally, to sleep like a fool). They also say Dormir como un bebé (to sleep like a baby)
Dormir como un lirón (Spanish)
(to) sleep like a log in Welsh
In Welsh it is Cysgu fel clawdd (literally, cover sleeping).
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Idioms ~That’s a different kettle of fish in other languages
Meaning
(to) be a different kettle of fish refers to a topic or situation which is enterily different from the one that was just being discussed. Synonym: It’s a horse of a different color.
Examples
… I suppose we could organize a party, but that’s an entirely different kettle of fish, we were discussing about the impact of the economic crisis on the labour market.
However, MPs are something of a different kettle of fish to the MEPs in my view.
That’s a different kettle of fish in Catalan
In Catalan there is the idiom Sónfigues d’un altre paner (literally, These are figs from another basket).
That’s a different kettle of fish in French
In French, the closest equivalent is Une autre paire de manches (literally, another pair of sleeves).
That’s a different kettle of fish in French: c’est une autre paire de manches.
That’s a different kettle of fish in German
In German it is ein ganz anderes Para Schuhe (literally, These are another pair of shoes).
That’s a different kettle of fish in Italian
Depending on the context, there are 3 versions in Italian, namely, la cosa cambia aspetto (literally, the thing changes of aspect) , è un altro paio di maniche (literally, that’s another pair of sleeves) o questo è ben altro affare (literally, That’s a completey different matter).
That’s a different kettle of fish in Spanish
In Spanish there is the idiom Eso es harina de otro costal (literally, this is flour from another sack/bag).
Nuts ~ Tocat del Bolet is a blog that aims to promote and share Catalan language and culture throughout its most typical expressions, in a fun and informative way.
