“Cut on your nose” – NEVER translate Russian idioms literally!
www.ectaco.cz Probably most of you who have ever had a conversation with a Russian speaker got confused at some point and were not able to follow the message he or she wanted to deliver by saying a particular phrase or word expression. That is not a surprise! The problem is that when Russians start literally translating idioms into English it turns to be a total mess that blows any foreigner’s mind. So, just to protect you at least a little bit from such awkward moments, here is the list of 10 commonly used Russian idioms and their true meanings in English. 1. Брать ноги в руки и бежать – Literal : To take your feet in your hands and run. Correct : To get an ass in a gear, to get a move on 2. У меня едет крыша – Literal : My roof is moving Correct : I go nuts, I am going crazy 3. Любов зла, полюбишь и козла – Literal : The love is vicious – one can fall in love with the billy-goat. Correct : Love is blind 4. Спать без задних ног – Literal : To sleep without back feet ...