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Catalan is an important language ​​in the European Union, with more speakers than Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Greek, Czech and Hungarian. Unfortunately, it still does not have the institutional support it deserves, and in spite of the difficulties, today it is alive and kicking thanks to the people that love it. Since there is an increasing number of people all over the world who start studying this beautiful and interesting Latin language, here is a Youtube channel by Laura Homs we strongly recommend: Couch Polyglot (click here to visit the channel)

Couch Polyglots

Catalan evolved from Vulgar Latin in the Middle Ages around the eastern Pyrenees. Nineteenth-century Spain saw a Catalan literary revival,culminating in the early 1900s.

Since the Spanish transition to democracy (1975–1982), Catalan has been institutionalized as an official language, language of education, and language of mass media; all of which have contributed to its increased prestige. In Catalonia, there is an unparalleled large bilingual European non-state linguistic community.

As the channel information reads: Welcome, Willkommen, Bienvenu, Bienvenido, benvingut, benvenuto, Добро пожаловать! This channel is all about language learning. You will find useful tips and challenges, as well as learning material for Spanish, Catalan and German. The videos are in different languages and all non-English videos include subtitles. The Spanish and Catalan videos also include a transcription so that you can read along if needed. Have fun and hope to see you around. Do you want to know more about me? You can find me on Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/user/laura-homs-2/

Most common English idioms

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 hillat 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

(to) Add insult to injury in other languages

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.

A Little bird told me in other languages
idioms

Stickers for Telegram in English! (Idioms, Jokes and typical expressions)

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

All ears 
idioms
All ears in other languages

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

to cost an arm and a leg  in other languages
idioms
idiom

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

a needle in a haystack  in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions
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?

a penny for your thoughts in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions

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.

a short fuse in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions

Stickers for Telegram in English! (Idioms, Jokes and typical expressions)

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

at the drop of a hat in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions
If you need help, just call me. I can come at the drop of a hat.

Bite the bullet

bite the bullet idiom
(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

BRAND NEW IDIOM
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

butterflies in my stomach in other languages idiom

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

back to the drawing board in other languages
 idioms

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

Ball is in your court in other languages
idioms

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.

to bark up the wrong tree in other languages
idioms

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

to beat around the bush in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions

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

to bend over backwards in other languages
idiom
idioms, English typical expressions

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

to blow smoke in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions

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!

break a leg in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions

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

to be a bundle of nerves in other languages
idioms

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

by the skin of my teeth in other languages idioms

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?

cat got your tongue in other languages idiom

(to get) Cold feet

to get cold feet idiom
to get cold feet in Catalan
to get cold feet in  French
to get cold feet in  German
to get cold feet in  Spanish
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.

Crying wolf in other languages
idioms

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.

cut me some slack in other languages

Stickers for Telegram in English! (Idioms, Jokes and typical expressions)

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

draw the line in other languages idioms

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

easier said than done in other languages
idioms

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)

fish out of water in other languages
idioms

Gift of tongues

Gift of tongues = to be gifted for languages Catalan: (tenir) Do de llengües

gift of tongues in other languages
idioms

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.

get the goosebumps in other languages

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

go the extra mile in other languages
idioms

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 in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese
(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 bed in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

hot potato in other languages idioms expressions
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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 minute detail in other languages idiom
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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 the nick of time in other languages idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

keep in touch in other languages
idioms, English typical expressions
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

Itchy feet

to have itchy feet idiom
to have itchy feet  in Catalan
to have itchy feet  in French
to have itchy feet  in German
to have itchy feet  in Spanish

Jump on the bandwagon

jump on the bandwagon idiom

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

Let bygones be bygones in other languages idiom
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

Like two peas in a pod in other languages
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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 riddance Catalan: 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

glad to see the back of someone in other languages 
idiom
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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)

It is not my cup of tea in other languages
 idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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.

Once in a blue moon in other languages
 idiom
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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 be on the ball idiom in other languages
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

To have other fish to fry

to have other fish to fry idiom

Out of the blue

out of the blue idiom

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

piece of cake in other languages 
idiom 
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

put my two cents in other languages
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

rain buckets in other languages
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

to sit on the fence in other languages
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

steal my thunder
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

Take it easy

(to) Take it easy = Calm down, keep your hair on Catalan: (pren-t’ho amb) calma, tranki Chinese (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

take it easy in other languages
 idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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.

under the weather in other languages
idioms
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

Up in the air in other languages
idiom
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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

to walk on eggshells in other languages
idioms
typical expressions
English language
English idioms in Catalan
English idioms in Spanish
English idioms in French
English idioms in German
English idioms in Italian
English idioms in Portuguese

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.

when pigs fly in other languages

This post will be regularly updated with new idioms.

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Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions

Top Catalan Sayings and Proverbs translated to English

Here is a list of the most important and widespread Catalan Sayings and proverbs, which are sentences that convey the collective wisdom of our forefathers and have been passed down to successive generations over the years. While a saying is a familiar expression that is often repeated, a proverb is a type of saying that contains a piece of advice or simply contains truth or a value. We will provide a literal, word-by-word, translation as well as the closest equivalent saying and proverb in English and French. There is an audio recording of every expression too, so that you can learn how to pronounce them.

Qui no s’arrisca, no pisca

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
Nothing ventured, nothing lost pronunciation in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: He who doesn’t take risks, doesn’t grab (anything).

English closest equivalent: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Com més serem, més riurem

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
The more the merrier in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: The more we will be, the more we will laugh.

English equivalent: The more, the merrier.

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏿🧑‍🤝‍🧑🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏽 🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏿🧑‍🤝‍🧑🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏽

A poc a poc i bona lletra ✪

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
The more haste, the less speed in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: slowly and neat handwriting.

English equivalent: The more haste, the worse speed / More haste, less speed.

✍✍✍✍✍ ✍

De mica en mica, s’omple la pica

Many a little, makes a little in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: Bit by bit, one fills the sink.

English equivalents (depending on the context): Many a little makes a mickle, Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves or Constant dripping wears away the stone. In French: Petit à petit, loiseau fait son nid (literally, little by little the bird makes its nest).

🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰

Si vols estar ben servit, fes-te tu mateix el llit

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
If you want something done right, do it yourself pronunciation in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: If you want to be well served, make the bed yourself.

English equivalent: If you want something done right, do it yourself.

🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️ 🛏️

Els catalans, de les pedres en fem pans

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
Catalans make bread out of stones pronunciation

Literal translation: Catalans make bread out of stones.

Meaning: Catalan people get ahead in spite of difficulties because they are productive and can make a virtue out of necessity.

🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞🍞

Hi ha més dies que llonganisses

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
There’s plenty of time in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: there are more days than sausages. (llonganisa is a speciality cold sausage with spiced pork filling and intestine skins).

English equivalent: There’s plenty of time.

🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖🥖

Al pot petit hi ha la bona confitura

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
Good things come in small packages in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: In the small jar there is the good jam.

English equivalent: Good things come in small packages.

🏺🏺🏺🏺🏺🏺

Tal faràs, tal trobaràs

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
What goes around comes around in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: Such you will do, such you will find.

English equivalent: What goes around, comes around.

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

No diguis blat fins que no el tinguis al sac i ben lligat

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched in Catalan, English and French

Literal meaning: Don’t say wheat until you have it in the bag and well tied up.

English equivalent: Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched.

🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾🌾

Honorific mentions

✪ Qui de jove no treballa, de vell dorm a la palla ✪

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language, French sayings, French idioms
If you lie upon roses when young, you will lie upon thorns when old in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: He who doesn’t work when young, will sleep on the straw when old.

English equivalent: If you lie upon roses when young, you will lie upon thorns when old.

👷👩‍💼🧑🏿‍🏭 👷👩‍💼🧑🏿‍🏭

Cel rogent, pluja o vent

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning closest equivalents in Catalan, English and French

English closest equivalent: Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning.

Literal meaning: Reddish sky, rain or wind.

French closest equivalent: Ciel rouge le soir laisse bon espoir. Ciel rouge le matin, pluie en chemin.

🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥

A l’estiu, tota cuca viu

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
Sayings about summer in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: In summertime, every bug comes alive.

We haven’t found any equivalent for this saying, but here is this one: Friends, sun, sand, and sea, that sounds like a summer to me. It also conveys the liveliness inherent in summertime.

🐛🐞🦗🦟 🐛🐞🦗🦟

Qui no vulgui pols, que no vagi a l’era

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen in Catalan, English and French

Literal meaning: If you don’t want dust, don’t go to the threshing floor.

English closest equivalent: If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. French closest equivalent: Qui craint le danger ne doit pas aller en mer (literally, He who is afraid of danger, shouldn’t go to the sea)

☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️

Per Nadal, cada ovella al seu corral

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
All hearts come home for Christmas in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: At Christmas, every sheep to its yard.

English closest equivalent: All hearts come home for Christmas

French closest equivalent: Tout le monde devrait être à la maison pour Noël (Everybody should be at home for Christmas)

🐑🐏 🐑🐏 🐑🐏

Qui dia passa, any empeny

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
Tomorrow is another day in Catalan, English and French

Literal translation: He who a day passes by, pushes a year.
Closest equivalent in English: Tomorrow is another day .
Closest equivalent in French: Demain est un autre jour.

🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️🗓️

Qui no té memòria, ha de tenir cames

Catalan Sayings, Catalan proverbs, Catalan expressions, Catalan proverbs in English, Catalan sayings in English, Proverbs in Catalan, Sayings in Catalan language
One would forget one’s head if it weren’t screwed on in Catalan

Literal meaning: He who doesn’t have (a good) memory, needs legs.
Closest equivalent in English: One would forget one’s head if it weren’t screwed on.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Pagant Sant Pere canta

Money talks
Maney talks in Catalan, English and French

Literal meaning: If you pay, Saint Peter sings.
English closest equivalent: Money talks.
French closest equivalent: L’argent a le dernier mot (literally, money has the last word).

💰💰💰💰💰💰

De més verdes en maduren

Stranger things have happened in Catalan, English and French

Literally: Even greener ones have ripened
Closest equivalent in English: Stranger things have happened.
Closest equivalent in French: De drôles de choses se sont passées (literally, stranger things have happened)

👽👽👽👽👽👽

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