lose (something) in translation

idiom

: to fail to have the same meaning or effectiveness when it is translated into another language
Something must have gotten lost in translation because the joke isn't funny in English.

Dictionary Entries Near lose (something) in translation

Cite this Entry

“Lose (something) in translation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lose%20%28something%29%20in%20translation. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!