lose in translation

[ looz in tranz-ley-shuhn, trans- ]

idiom

1. to lose or cause to lose (meaning or effectiveness) when translated into a different language, style, form, etc., or when passed through a third party:

   I suspect the Gaelic inscription loses something in translation, as it seems overly cryptic.

   Whenever people spread rumors, important details get lost in translation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lose in translation¹

First recorded in 1790–1800