By definition, idioms are phrases with culturally-understood meanings that aren’t meant to be taken literally. They’re basically fun and interesting ways of expressing your thoughts.
Below are 10 fascinating idioms derived from cultures across the globe.
Polish
Idiom: Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy.Translation: Not my circus, not my monkeys.Meaning: Not my problem.
German
Idiom: Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei.Translation: Everything has one end, only the sausage has two.Meaning: Everything comes to an end.
Japanese
Idiom: 猿も木から落ちる.Translation: Even monkeys fall from trees.Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes.
Icelandic
Idiom: Ég tók hann í bakaríið.Translation: I took him to the bakery.Meaning: I told him off.
Spanish
Idiom: Mucho ruido y pocas nueces.Translation: A lot of noise and no walnuts.Meaning: All talk and no action.
Swedish
Idiom: Finns det hjärterum så finns det stjärterum.Translation: If there is room in the heart, there is room for the butt.Meaning: If we care about you, we’ll make room for you to join us.
Cantonese
Idiom: 眼饞肚飽.Translation: Greedy eyes, full stomach.Meaning: To bite off more than you can chew.
Indonesian
Idiom: Sambil menyelam, minum air.Translation: While diving, drink water.Meaning: Accomplish two things at once.
French
Idiom: Donner sa langue au chat.Translation: To give one’s tongue to the cat.Meaning: To not be able to guess.
Arabic
Idiom: يعطى الخبز ل خبازه.Translation: Give the bread to the baker.Meaning: Don’t give someone a task they can’t do.