The translation of idioms
• An idiom is an expression whose meaning
cannot be guessed from the literal definitions
and the arrangement of its parts, but refers
instead to a figurative meaning that is known
only through conventional use
• For example: the apple of his eye
A green thumb
Bared his teeth
Ways to translate idioms
1) Translation by another idiom of a similar form
Storm in a tea cup – ‫زوبعة في فنجان‬
2) Translation by an idiom but different form
It’s raining cats and dogs – ‫إنها تمطر كأفواه القرب‬
3) Translation by paraphrasing
Throw caution to the wind – ‫لم يعد يكترث لشيء‬