get lost in translation

get lost in translation

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.

See also: get, lost, translation

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.