Some idioms in my language (Afrikaans) are absolutely ridiculous, while others encourage us to ponder. I will publish some Afrikaans idioms translated into English from time to time.
Of course, at the end of the day this will not be a complete dictionary of idioms, as I will highlight only idioms that tickle my fancy. However, you can turn this post into a worthy source of knowledge by adding relevant idioms in the comment section.
Put on naughty shoes!
Suitable English idioms: Take the plunge! Take the bit between one's teeth!
Afrikaans: Stoute skoene aantrek.
Even when an ape wears a golden ring, he remains an ugly thing.
Suitable English idioms: Fine feathers do not make fine birds. Putting lipstick on a pig...
Afrikaans: Al dra ’n aap ’n goue ring, hy is en bly 'n lelike ding.
Let the ape out of the sleeve!
Suitable English idiom: Spill the beans. Let the cat out of the bag.
Afrikaans: Die aap uit die mou laat.
Having an ape in the sleeve.
Suitable English idioms: Have a card up his sleeve. Having an ace in the hole.
Afrikaans: ’n Aap in die mou hê.
Getting the ape fits.
Suitable English idioms: Getting in a blue funk. Getting bent out of shape.
Afrikaans: Die aapstuipe kry.
A man with twelve trades and thirteen accidents.
Suitable English idiom: A Jack of all trades and a master of none.
Afrikaans: ’n Man van twaalf ambagte en dertien ongelukke.
If is burned wood.
Meaning: The Afrikaans word for 'if' is 'as', pronounced like the 'as' in 'ascent'. The same 'as' is also the Afrikaans word for 'ash' - the residue that remains when something is burned. So, when someone says 'if it rains.....', we would say 'if (ash) is burned wood'. Don't say 'if' because if is in fact ashes; it was and is no more; it's not going to happen!
Suitable English idiom: Ifs and ands were pots and pans. If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride.
Afrikaans: As is verbrande hout.
Please add some relevant idioms in the comment section.
Until next week, | ShoutOuts |