Wild idioms

Mustard after lunch? 10 foreign sayings that make zero sense

Idioms make any language way more colorful, but when you translate them literally, things can get quite goofy. You can’t translate a whole culture, so we’ve gathered some foreign idioms and their literal translation into English. Have some fun reading about it and trying to guess what they actually mean. Are you up for the challenge?

In Germany, if you’ve "tied a bear to someone," you’ve pulled a fast one, like fooled them good. No bears, ropes, or zoos involved. It’s their way of saying you tricked somebody, kind of like slipping a whoopee cushion under their chair, but in a more metaphorical way. It’s unclear how the bear got involved, but you’ve got to admire the imagery.

This one paints quite the picture, right? No way you’ll guess what it means, so here it is: In Norway, if you "swallow some camels," it means you’ve had to compromise on something you’d rather not. We might say "grin and bear it" or "bite the bullet"—they say gulp down a few large desert animals. Frankly, the mental image is enough to make anyone appreciate our American metaphors. Talk about a tough pill to swallow.

The French equivalent of "when pigs fly" is "when chickens have teeth." It’s a way of saying something will never happen. Can’t you just imagine a chicken grinning with a mouthful of molars? Terrifying. But effective anyway!

When a Japanese person says their cheeks are falling off, don’t call the doctor, they’re just loving their meal. Connection not found, but who are we to judge? It’s their way of saying something is so delicious, your face can’t even handle it.

This Icelandic gem describes an unexpected surprise, like a little bonus at the end of something. A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Nope. They’ve got raisins. In a hot dog. It may sound more like a cooking disaster than a feel-good moment, but hey, they mean well.

In Sweden, if someone "slides in on a prawn sandwich," it means they’ve had it easy—no struggle, no stress, just cruising through life on shrimp and bread. It’s a cousin to being "born with a silver spoon." Either way, the person didn’t have to hustle too hard.

In Italy, they say "not all doughnuts come with a hole," when life throws a curveball. It’s a gentle reminder that not everything turns out the way you expect. And hey, a doughnut without a hole is technically more donut. Maybe things aren’t so bad after all!

Poles say "mustard after lunch" when it’s too late to do something, like when the moment has passed. You can think of it like "closing the barn door after the horse is gone." Except in this case, you’re stuck with a hot dog… and no mustard. Tragic, don’t you think?

This Arabic idiom describes a letdown. You’ve waited all day to eat, only to be handed… an onion. A raw deal, literally. It’s like expecting prime rib and getting a saltine. The literal translation is hilarious, but you can’t deny it’s effective, pointed, and a little stinky.

This Dutch idiom doesn’t sound pleasant, but it’s actually a compliment. To "have hair on your teeth" means you’re assertive, bold, and maybe even a little fierce. In other words, not someone to mess with. Dental floss is not included, though.

FROM SCREEN TO SLANG

Did You Know These 12 Phrases Came from TV Shows?

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Pop culture can reach us through every single type of media imaginable. And, in that regard, both the big screen and the small one are powerful generators of content that inform our daily lives.

From memorable catchphrases to poignant one-liners, some idioms have transcended their on-screen origins, embedding themselves in our everyday conversations and shaping the way we express ourselves. Whether it's a piece of advice from a beloved character or a quick retort that becomes part of the cultural lexicon, these expressions have left an indelible mark on our lives.

Image: Hannes Johnson

While the term "spam" didn't originate in the realm of movies or television, its current meaning as unwanted mail did.

In a classic Monty Python sketch, a group of Vikings incessantly repeats the word "spam" as they sing a menu that includes processed meat, drowning out all other conversation. The repetitive and overwhelming nature of this skit amusingly mirrored the flood of unsolicited emails in early online communication. Over time, the term evolved, transcending its comedic roots and becoming synonymous with digital clutter.

Image: Pawel Czerwinski

Aside from being the name of a gigantic tech company, "Google" has become a widely popular verb that describes the action of making a query on the search engine of the same name.

The first recorded use of the phrase on TV happened on "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer," where her friend Willow uttered the words "Have you Googled her yet?" referencing the search engine. A humble origin for a ubiquitous term.

Image: Ralph Katieb

The term "Groundhog Day" was coined from the title of the 1993 comedy-drama starring Bill Murray. The movie follows a cynical weatherman trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again.

The phrase has since transcended its cinematic origins to become a metaphor for the repetitive nature of daily life or tasks that seem endlessly redundant. The film's enduring popularity has ingrained "Groundhog Day" into the lexicon as a symbol of monotony, prompting people to humorously reference the concept whenever they find themselves caught in a seemingly endless cycle of routine.

Image: Omid Roshan

Possibly one of the most famous onomatopoeias to ever emerge from the TV, "d'oh!" has become an iconic catchphrase synonymous with exasperation, and its origin can be traced back to the animated television series "The Simpsons."

Coined by the show's creator, Matt Groening, "d'oh!" serves as the frustrated utterance of the bumbling yet endearing character Homer Simpson. Introduced in the early seasons of the show, the exclamation quickly gained popularity for its versatility in expressing anything from mild annoyance to major blunders.

Image: Aaron Burden

While its current meaning denotes a foolish or inept person, the origin of the word "nimrod" can be traced back to biblical sources. In the Bible, Nimrod is a figure described as a mighty hunter and a great king, but the evolution of the term took an unexpected turn.

In the mid-20th century, the term started being used sarcastically by the Looney Tunes character Bugs Bunny. The rabbit used the term ironically to mock his adversaries. Over time, the sarcasm stuck, and "nimrod" morphed into a colloquial expression for someone perceived as clueless or ineffectual.

Image: Vladimir Fedotov

The roots of the term "gaslight" can be traced back to the 1938 play "Gas Light", which was later adapted into two films—one in the UK in 1940 and another in the US in 1944.

The plot revolves around a husband who manipulates his wife into believing she's going insane by dimming the gaslights in their home. This psychological thriller popularized the notion of subtle manipulation and psychological abuse, giving rise to the term "gaslighting."

Image: Toa Heftiba

"Friend zone" has become a ubiquitous part of modern dating discourse, and its roots can be traced back to the realm of popular culture, specifically the television sitcom "Friends".

While the phrase itself may not have originated on the show, its popularization can be attributed to the character Ross Geller, portrayed by David Schwimmer. Ross often found himself being romantically interested in female friends who saw him strictly as a friend. The notion of being relegated to the "friend zone" gained cultural traction, signifying unrequited romantic feelings within a friendship.

Image: Sam McGhee

The iconic sign-off "And that's the way it is" was popularized by one of the most respected figures in television news, Walter Cronkite. As the longtime anchor of the CBS Evening News, Cronkite would conclude his broadcasts with this definitive statement, emphasizing the factual nature of the news presented.

While the phrase itself did not originate in any form of scripted entertainment, its impact on language and cultural memory shows how a well-delivered line from a news anchor can become ingrained in the public consciousness.

Image: Jakub Zerdsicki

The phrase "Who are you wearing?" emerged as a hallmark of red carpet interviews, and its origin is closely tied to the indomitable Joan Rivers. Coined by the comedian and television host, the question became a signature element of her coverage during award shows, marking her irreverent yet insightful approach to fashion critique.

Rivers used the question to extract not only information about the designers behind celebrities' outfits but also to inject humor and critique into the conversation. First popularized on her show "Live from the Red Carpet," the phrase quickly became a cultural touchstone, shaping the way the public engages with celebrity fashion.

Image: Markus Frieauff

The phrase "Everybody lies" comes from the medical drama "House," where the brilliant but unconventional Dr. Gregory House, played by Hugh Laurie, uttered this cynical mantra.

The phrase expresses the central theme of the show: that truth is often elusive. Dr. House, a character known for his skepticism, popularized this observation, asserting that even the most seemingly transparent individuals conceal truths. Beyond the show, "Everybody lies" has permeated popular culture, becoming a provocative reflection on human nature and the inherent complexities of honesty.

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The phrase "You're toast" gained prominence as a line from "Ghostbusters". This ominous declaration is uttered by the character Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray, during a confrontational scene with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

Since its cinematic debut, "You're toast" has transcended its ghostly origins to become a colloquial idiom, often used in a lighthearted manner to convey a sense of impending defeat or inevitable trouble.

Image: Ivan Diaz

"Hakuna Matata," a Swahili phrase meaning "no worries," was popularized by the animated movie "The Lion King". Coined in the 1994 film, Pumbaa and Timon introduced this infectious philosophy to a global audience.

The phrase defines a worry-free, laid-back attitude toward life, resonating with audiences of all ages. The cultural impact of "Hakuna Matata" extends beyond the screen, as it has become a widely recognized catchphrase, symbolizing a desire for a stress-free existence.