If you’ve ever found yourself scratching your head at American expressions, you’re not alone. Many U.S. sayings leave people abroad utterly confused. Here’s a list of 21 common American idioms that don’t translate well, and how you can say them in a way everyone will understand.
Break a Leg
In the U.S., wishing someone to “break a leg” is a way to tell them good luck, especially before a performance; Reader’s Digest explains that it’s believed to be rooted in the superstitions of theater performers. However, in other countries, this phrase might be taken literally, which is a little awkward.
Piece of Cake
When Americans say something is a “piece of cake,” they mean it’s easy to do. This idiom conjures up an image of a delicious dessert that’s easy to eat, but outside the U.S., this phrase might leave people scratching their heads. In many cultures, there’s no direct equivalent, making the phrase confusing.
Spill the Beans
To “spill the beans” means to reveal a secret or disclose information prematurely in American slang. This idiom can be puzzling abroad, where the literal image of spilling beans doesn’t convey the intended meaning of revealing confidential information. In other cultures, secrets might be kept in different metaphorical containers.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
When someone isn’t speaking much, Americans might ask, “Cat got your tongue?” This strange phrase can be quite baffling to non-English speakers, as it doesn’t translate well and conjures up a bizarre image of a cat stealing someone’s tongue. A more straightforward question would be, “Why are you so quiet?”.
Hit the Sack
“Hit the sack” means to go to bed or go to sleep in American English. This idiom might sound violent or confusing to those unfamiliar with it, as it literally suggests striking a bag. To avoid misunderstanding, it’s better to simply say, “I’m going to bed.”
Under the Weather
Americans might say they’re “under the weather” when feeling sick, and this expression, which dates back to maritime language, doesn’t make much sense elsewhere and can lead to confusion about its meaning. To be clear, it’s best to say, “I’m not feeling well” or “I’m sick.”
Bite the Bullet
Another confusing phrase is “bite the bullet,” which means to endure a painful or challenging situation with courage and determination. This idiom, originating from the practice of having soldiers bite on a bullet during surgery to withstand the pain, can be perplexing in other cultures.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
To “let the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a secret unintentionally. This saying is confusing for non-Americans, as it doesn’t have a literal or easily understood meaning outside of its idiomatic use. It’s clearer just to say, “reveal the secret.”
Kick the Bucket
“Kick the bucket” is a colloquial way to say someone has died; this phrase, which has origins that are somewhat morbid, can be very confusing and even offensive in other cultures. It’s more respectful and clear to say, “passed away” or “died,” which sounds more respectful.
Hit the Nail on the Head
When someone is exactly right, Americans say they “hit the nail on the head.” This idiom, which evokes the image of driving a nail perfectly into place, can be unclear in other languages. A more straightforward way to express this is simply to tell someone they’re right.
Barking Up the Wrong Tree
If someone is pursuing a mistaken or misguided course, Americans say they’re “barking up the wrong tree.” This idiom, which likely originated from hunting dogs barking at the base of the wrong tree, can be confusing. Instead, saying, “You’re mistaken” or “You’re on the wrong path” is more universally understandable.
Cost an Arm and a Leg
Something very expensive is said to “cost an arm and a leg” in the U.S., and this particular idiom, which suggests a high cost equating to significant personal sacrifice, can be puzzling abroad. You can say something is expensive without any need for dramatic imagery or potential confusion.
Pulling Someone’s Leg
When Americans say they’re “pulling someone’s leg,” they mean they’re joking or teasing. This phrase might be confusing outside the U.S., where the idea of physically pulling someone’s leg doesn’t translate to humor. A more direct way to convey this is, “I’m joking” or “I’m just kidding.”
Beat Around the Bush
To “beat around the bush” means to avoid the main topic or to be indirect, and this American saying, which comes from hunting, can be confusing elsewhere. A clearer way to say this is, “avoid the main point” or “not get to the point”—these phrases don’t need any historical context.
Ballpark Figure
A “ballpark figure” is an estimate or rough calculation; this baseball-related idiom might not make sense in other countries, particularly where baseball isn’t a popular sport. Instead, saying, “an estimate” or “an approximate number” can avoid any funny looks from foreigners.
Burn the Midnight Oil
“Burn the midnight oil” means to work late into the night, and it’s common with the older generation, too. This saying dates back to the time when oil lamps were used for lighting, but it can be unclear abroad. You might want to say, “work late” or “stay up late working.”
Cold Turkey
To quit something “cold turkey” means to stop suddenly and completely. This saying might not translate well, as it conjures up an image of a cold bird, which has no relation to quitting habits. There are many clearer ways to say that you’re quitting something—like saying exactly that.
The Whole Nine Yards
Giving “the whole nine yards” means to give everything or do something fully, a popular phrase that has uncertain origins. It can be strange to hear outside the U.S.; it’s clearer to say, “give everything” or “do it fully.”
A Dime a Dozen
When something is very common, Americans say it’s “a dime a dozen.” This idiom, which suggests that something is so common it’s cheap, can be odd in conversation. A more straightforward way is to say something is very common and not overly valuable.
Jump on the Bandwagon
To “jump on the bandwagon” means to join a trend or follow what others are doing, and originates from the practice of politicians using bandwagons in parades to attract attention—unfortunately, it might not make sense abroad. There are many clearer ways to say what you mean.
Throw in the Towel
And our final American saying that doesn’t translate well abroad is “throw in the towel,” which means to give up or surrender. This phrase, which originates from boxing where a towel is thrown into the ring to signal defeat, might be confusing outside the U.S.
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