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

Example Sentences

It’s not like there was ever that much to lose in translation from the 2018 film, which was a lean, efficient thrilling machine in its own right.

From Los Angeles Times

What do we lose in translation?

From New York Times

But it’s also a reminder of how much earth-shaking ideas can lose in translation.

From The Verge

It looked easy at first, but I fancy is rather a formidable undertaking, as Lady B. has a very distinct style—very German, and I should think it must lose in translation.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever this may lose in translation, those four sighs are clearly addressed to a group.

From Time Magazine Archive