Journal of Language Studies Vol.8, No.

3, 2024, Pages (335-347)

DOI: [Link]
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Journal of Language Studies

Contents available at: [Link]

Translation and Semantics: Challenges and Strategies in Translating

English Idioms
Saif Saadoon Ahmed
Islamic University of Lebanon / Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences
[Link]@[Link]

Received: 11/ 2 / 2024, Accepted: 25 / 3 /2024, Online Published: 31/ 3 / 2024

Abstract
Translating idiomatic expressions poses significant challenges for translators,
necessitating careful consideration of cultural context, semantic equivalence, and
pragmatic usage. This study aims to explore the complexities involved in translating
English idioms, with a focus on the intersection of translation and semantics. The primary
objectives are to identify the main challenges faced by translators, examine the impact of
cultural differences, and propose strategies to overcome these obstacles. Through an
analysis of translation choices and translators' notes, four main strategies are identified:
literal translation, paraphrasing, cultural equivalents, and adaptation. The findings reveal
that cultural differences and semantic obstacles significantly influence the translation
process. Furthermore, the study highlights the individual translation styles of the
participants, and the variations in the approaches adopted and decision-making processes.
The study found that the most important challenges in translating English idioms are:
cultural differences, semantic obstacles, and the unfamiliarity of some idioms. This study
also found that the most used strategies used in translating English idioms are: literal
translation, paraphrasing, cultural equivalents, and adaptation.
Key Words: Translation, Idioms, Translating English Idioms.


Corresponding Author: Saif Saadoon, Email: [Link]@[Link]
Affiliation: Islamic University of Lebanon
© This is an open access article under the CC by licenses [Link]

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‫ التحديات واالستراتيجيات في ترجمة التعابير اإلنجليزية‬:‫الترجمة وعلم الداللة‬

‫سيف سعدون احمد‬

‫الجامعة اإلسالمية في لبنان‬
‫المستخلص‬
‫ والتكافؤ‬،‫ مما يستلزم دراسة متأنية للسياق الثقافي‬،‫تطرح ترجمة التعبيرات االصطالحية تحديات كبيرة للمترجمين‬
‫ تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف التعقيدات التي تنطوي عليها ترجمة التعابير‬.‫ واالستخدام العملي‬،‫الداللي‬
‫ وتتمثل األهداف األساسية في تحديد التحديات‬،‫ مع التركيز على منطقة التقاطع بين الترجمة وعلم الداللة‬،‫اإلنكليزية‬
.‫ واقتراح استراتيجيات للتغلب على هذه العقبات‬،‫ ودراسة تأثير االختالفات الثقافية‬،‫الرئيسية التي يواجهها المترجمون‬
،‫ الترجمة الحرفية‬:‫ تم تحديد أربع استراتيجيات رئيسية‬،‫ومن خالل تحليل خيارات الترجمة ومالحظات المترجمين‬
‫ وكشفت النتائج أن االختالفات الثقافية والعقبات الداللية تؤثر بشكل‬.‫ والتكيف‬،‫ والمعادالت الثقافية‬،‫وإعادة الصياغة‬
،‫ تسلط الدراسة الضوء على أساليب الترجمة الفردية للمشاركين‬،‫ وباإلضافة إلى ذلك‬.‫كبير على عملية الترجمة‬
‫ وتوصلت الدراسة إلى أن أهم التحديات في ترجمة العبارات‬.‫واالختالفات في األساليب المعتمدة وعمليات صنع القرار‬
‫ كما‬.‫ وعدم اإللمام ببعض العبارات االصطالحية‬،‫ والعوائق الداللية‬،‫ االختالفات الثقافية‬:‫االصطالحية اإلنكليزية هي‬
‫ وإعادة‬،‫ الترجمة الحرفية‬:‫وجدت هذه الدراسة أن االستراتيجيات األكثر استخداماً في ترجمة التعابير اإلنكليزية هي‬
.‫ والتكيف‬،‫ والمكافئ الداللي‬،‫الصياغة‬

1. INTRODUCTION
Translation is a complex and nuanced process that involves conveying the meaning of
words, phrases, and expressions from one language to another. Translation means to
transfer a written or spoken text from the original language to the target language and the
target audience, this is why it can be considered as "the base of all science in the world",
(Shareef and Sahyoun, 2023, p. 399).
Idioms, in particular, pose significant challenges to translators due to their inherent
linguistic and metalinguistic characteristics. English idioms, with their figurative and
metaphorical nature, present a rich tapestry of linguistic expressions that capture the
essence of the language. Particularly, among English idioms, those idioms that bear
historical and cultural connotations pose a graver difficulty for the translator as their
meanings cannot directly be understood relying only on the semantic features of their
separate words, due to the fact that the significance of these collocations cannot be
deduced from the literal meanings of their individual words, difficulties arise in both
comprehending and translating them (Shojaei, 2012, p. 1220). However, the translation of
idioms requires careful consideration of cultural context, semantic equivalence, and
pragmatic usage in the target language.

This study aims to explore the challenges faced by translators when translating English
idioms and the strategies employed to overcome these challenges, with a specific focus

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on the intersection of translation and semantics. By delving into the intricacies of

idiomatic expressions, we seek to shed light on the complex interplay between language,
culture, and meaning.
The findings of this study will have implications for translation theory, practice, and
pedagogy. By enhancing our understanding of the challenges and strategies in translating
English idioms, this study tries to improve the quality and accuracy of idiomatic
translations, thereby facilitating effective cross-cultural communication and promoting
linguistic richness in multilingual societies.

2. THE PROBLEM
Translation is a complex task that involves transferring meaning from one language to
another, taking into account cultural, linguistic, and contextual factors. An idiom is "an
ambiguous term, used in conflicting ways", (Moon, 1998, p. 3). This is why idioms, as
linguistic expressions peculiar to a particular language, often present significant
challenges for translators. English idioms, in particular, are known for their figurative and
metaphorical nature, making them inherently difficult to translate accurately while
preserving their intended meaning and cultural connotations.

The importance of translating idioms comes from the fact that idioms are an integral
component of language proficiency and serve as an inherent and significant aspect of
daily communication. They embody cultural and linguistic nuances, facilitating
intercultural exchange and fostering understanding across diverse societies (Howwar,
2013, p.1).
The translation of English idioms poses several problems that need to be addressed.
Firstly, idioms are deeply rooted in the cultural, semantic and historical context of the
source language, making direct word-for-word translations inadequate. Translators must
navigate cultural differences and find equivalent expressions or alternative strategies to
convey the idiomatic meaning effectively in the target language. This requires a nuanced
understanding of both languages and the ability to capture the essence of the idiom while
maintaining linguistic coherence.

Secondly, idioms often rely on specific semantic associations and metaphorical

interpretations that may not exist or have different manifestations in the target language.
Translating idiomatic phrases that rely on contextual knowledge or shared cultural
references can be particularly challenging, as direct translation may result in loss of
meaning or misinterpretation.

Furthermore, idiomatic expressions can vary in their degree of transparency and

frequency of usage. Some idioms may be widely known and used, while others may be
more obscure or context-specific. Translating idiomatic expressions that fall into the
latter category requires additional research, semantic knowledge and cultural sensitivity
to ensure accurate and meaningful translations.
The problem of this study, therefore, is that there are challenges faced by translators
when translating English idioms and to identify effective strategies for mitigating these
challenges. By understanding the complexities of idiomatic expressions and the specific
difficulties they pose in translation, we can develop guidelines and recommendations to

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enhance the accuracy and cultural appropriateness of translated idioms. This study aims
to address these issues and contribute to the existing body of knowledge in translation
studies, with a particular focus on the intersection of translation and semantics.
3. THE AIMS
This study aims to:
1. Identify and analyze the main challenges faced by translators when translating English
idioms into the target language.
2. Investigate the different strategies that can be employed to overcome the challenges of
translating English idioms.
3. Examine the semantic obstacles encountered during the translation of English idioms
and propose strategies to ensure accurate and meaningful translations.

4. THE HYPOTHESIS
This research hypothesizes that translating English idioms into the target language poses
significant challenges for translators, particularly due to cultural differences and the need
to capture the figurative and metaphorical meanings of idiomatic expressions. The
research also hypothesizes that using particular strategies can aid the translators to
provide better translation of the designated idioms.

5. THE SIGNIFICANCE
This study of translating English idioms holds significant importance for several reasons.
Firstly, idiomatic expressions are a fundamental aspect of language and play a crucial
role in communication, adding richness, nuance, and cultural flavor to speech and
writing. Understanding how to accurately translate idioms is essential for effective cross-
cultural communication and localization of content.

The study addresses the challenges faced by translators when dealing with idiomatic
expressions and provides insights into various translation strategies employed to
overcome these challenges. By examining the translation choices of translators, the study
offers practical guidance and recommendations for professionals in the field of
translation, aiding them in making informed decisions when translating idiomatic
expressions.

Moreover, the study highlights the cultural and linguistic nuances associated with
idiomatic expressions. It emphasizes the significance of considering cultural differences
and finding suitable equivalents that convey the intended meaning and cultural
connotations in the target language. This aspect is crucial in maintaining the authenticity
and impact of idiomatic expressions in translated texts.

Additionally, this study sheds light on the cognitive processes involved in translating
idioms, exploring how translators navigate the figurative and metaphorical meanings of
idiomatic expressions. Understanding these cognitive processes can contribute to the
development of translation theories and practices, providing valuable insights into the
complexities of idiomatic expression translation.

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Furthermore, the findings of this study can have implications for language teaching and
learning. Educators can benefit from the insights gained regarding the challenges faced
by learners in understanding and translating idiomatic expressions. The study can inform
the development of pedagogical strategies and materials that facilitate the acquisition and
effective usage of idiomatic expressions in various languages.

At last, this study contributes to the broader field of translation studies by expanding our
understanding of idiomatic expression translation. It adds to the existing body of
literature on translation strategies, cultural adaptation, and linguistic coherence, providing
a nuanced perspective specific to idiomatic expressions.

6. THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study tries to answer the following questions:
1. What are the main challenges faced by translators when translating English idioms into
the target language?
2. What strategies can be employed to overcome the challenges in translating English
idioms?
3. What are the semantic obstacles encountered when translating English idioms, and
what strategies can be employed to ensure accurate and meaningful translations?

7. LITERATURE REVIEW
For the sake of brevity, this section will provide the literature review in terms of the
findings of the previous studies according to the difficulties and strategies reported in the
translation process of English idioms.

7.1 DIFFICULTES in TRANSLATING ENGLISH IDIOMS

Translating idiomatic and culturally-bound expressions is a complex task that poses
significant challenges for both language learners and translators. These expressions
present difficulties in terms of style, culture, and even religious connotations, making it
challenging to achieve accurate and nuanced translations (Smadi, 2015, p. 124).
One of the primary difficulties in translating idioms lies in finding equivalent expressions
at the idiom level. Idioms vary across languages, and their meanings and forms often do
not have direct counterparts in other languages. This lack of equivalence creates a
substantial obstacle for translators, requiring them to navigate the subtleties and nuances
of idiomatic language (Baker, 1991, pp. 80-85).
A translator must, according to (Ibrahim and Shaban, 2023, p. 411), have the following
skills:
The ability to speak the language in which the text is written fluently.
The translator must also have the semantic knowledge that makes a listener who has
reached maturity able to transfer it to understanding.
Cultural disparities further complicate the translation process. Idioms and culturally-
bound expressions are deeply rooted in specific cultures and may contain elements that
are unique to those cultures. This cultural specificity can make translation challenging; as
certain concepts or references may not have direct equivalents in the target language. For
instance, the idiom "feels blue" has a cultural association with sadness or depression in

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American culture, but this association may not exist in the same way in other cultures,
such as Arabic-speaking cultures (Al-Shawi & Mahadi, 2012, pp. 141-146).

Additionally, the distinction between written and spoken discourse poses another
difficulty. Idiomatic expressions are commonly used in spoken language and often reflect
colloquial or informal speech patterns. However, written language tends to adhere to
more formal conventions, which may exclude the use of idioms. This divergence in usage
between spoken and written language can create challenges in finding appropriate
translations that maintain the intended meaning and style of the original idiomatic
expression (Baker, 1991, p. 84).

7.2 STRATEGIES for TRANSLATING ENGLISH IDIOMS

Translating idiomatic and culturally-bound expressions requires careful consideration and
the implementation of various strategies. Baker (1991) defines one such strategy as
finding an idiom in the target language that not only shares similar meaning but also has a
comparable form, although this approach may not always be feasible (p. 72). Loescher
(1991) describes translation strategy as a conscious procedure used to address translation
challenges. Building on these ideas, Baker (1991) proposes four main strategies that
translators can utilize when translating idiomatic and culturally-bound expressions: total
equivalence, partial equivalence, paraphrasing, and omission (pp. 85-93).

The first strategy, total equivalence, involves finding idiomatic expressions in the target
language that possess the same meaning and form as those in the source language.
However, achieving total equivalence is often limited to cases where the source and
target languages share a common linguistic and cultural background. For example,
certain English idioms may have direct equivalents in present-day Arabic that exhibit
transparent meanings and similar linguistic structures.

The second strategy, partial equivalence, entails translating the source language idiom
into a target language idiom that conveys the same meaning while differing in form. This
strategy necessitates the translator's cultural competence and awareness to identify
idiomatic expressions in the target language that capture the essence of the original
idiom. For instance, when translating the English idiom "to carry coals to Newcastle" into
Arabic, the resulting idiom may have a different form but retains the intended meaning
and function.

Paraphrasing is another strategy employed when translating idiomatic expressions. In this

approach, the translator provides a concise explanation of the underlying meaning of the
idiom in the source language. This allows for a more explicit translation that conveys the
intended meaning effectively.

Furthermore, translators may employ the strategy of omission, which involves

intentionally excluding the translation of an idiom if an appropriate equivalent cannot be
found in the target language. Omission is often utilized when idiomatic expressions are
deeply rooted in the source language's cultural context and lack direct equivalents in the
target language.

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8. METHODOLOGY
This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to investigate the challenges and strategies
in translating English idioms. By using both the qualitative and quantitative data, this
study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies in
translating English idioms.
The methodology consists of two main phases: data collection and description.

8.1. DATA COLLECTION and DESCRIPTION

a. Participant Selection: A total of 20 fourth-year students majoring in English
translation, in the English department in Takreet university in the academic year 2023-
2024, were recruited as participants for this study. These students were selected based on
their academic background and on the basis of their willingness to participate in this
study .

b. Translation Task: The participants will be given the 10 sentence samples. They will
be instructed to translate the sentences into Arabic language while aiming to capture the
idiomatic meaning accurately.

c. Translation Notes: Participants will be encouraged to provide notes explaining their

translation choices, highlighting any challenges they encountered, and describing the
strategies they employed to overcome these challenges.

8.2. DATA ANALYSIS

a. Qualitative Analysis: The translations provided by the participants will be analyzed
qualitatively. The analysis will focus on identifying common challenges encountered
during the translation process, such as cultural differences, semantic obstacles, and issues
related to transparency and frequency of idiomatic expressions. The strategies employed
by participants to address these challenges will also be examined.
b. Quantitative Analysis: In addition to qualitative analysis, quantitative measures will
be employed to identify patterns and trends in the translations as well as the notes
provided by the participants. This includes assessing the frequency of specific translation
choices or the effectiveness of certain strategies in conveying the idiomatic meaning.
c. Thematic Coding: The qualitative data obtained from the translations and notes will
be subjected to thematic coding. Themes and categories will be derived from the data to
capture the recurrent challenges and strategies employed by the participants.

8.3 THE SAMPLE

1. "He offered me a free vacation, but I should Beware of Greeks bearing gifts".
2. "The politician knew that he would be crossing the Rubicon."
3. "Despite the reassurances, the employees saw the writing on the wall and feared
layoffs were imminent"
4. "It was like having the sword of Damocles hanging over me"
5. "The enormous legal fees made it a Pyrrhic victory for the plaintiff."
6. "He tried to pass the buck to his subordinates."
7. "In his speech, the politician threw down the gauntlet in the face of his opponents".

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8. "He accidentally let the cat out of the bag."

9. "While revising the book, the editor cautioned the author not to throw the baby out
with the bathwater."
10. "She presented her groundbreaking research to the committee, feeling like she was
casting pearls before swine."

9. ANALYSIS and FINDINGS

For the sake of brevity, the analysis and the findings will be presented together for each
of the tasks discussed in section 6.1 namely the translation choices task and the
translators' note task.
1. Challenges and Strategies in Translation Choices
- Literal Translation: 40% of the translations involved a literal translation approach,
aiming to preserve the original wording of the idiomatic expression.
- Paraphrasing: 30% of the translations used paraphrasing, where participants rephrase
the idiom using equivalent expressions or alternative wording to convey the intended
meaning.
- Cultural Equivalents: 20% of the translations have used cultural equivalents, where
participants replace the English idiom with a similar idiom or expression in the target
language that carries a similar meaning.
- Adaptation: 10% of the translations used adaptation strategy, where participants
modify or adjust the idiomatic expression to fit the target language while maintaining the
idiomatic sense.

2. Challenges and Strategies in Translators' Notes

- Cultural Differences: 50% of the participants' notes mentioned challenges related to
cultural differences, such as finding appropriate cultural equivalents or adapting idioms to
the target culture.
- Semantic Obstacles: 40% of the notes mentioned difficulties in dealing with the
figurative or metaphorical meanings of idiomatic expressions and the need to find
suitable equivalents in the target language.
- Less Familiar Idioms: 30% of the notes highlighted challenges encountered when
translating less familiar or context-specific idioms, requiring additional research or
consultation.
- Figurative vs. Linguistic Coherence: 20% of the notes discuss the trade-off between
preserving the figurative nature of idioms and ensuring linguistic coherence in the target
language, mentioning different strategies employed by the participants.
- Individual Translation Styles: 60% of the notes reflect the individual translation styles
of the participants, showcasing variations in their approaches, preferences, and decision-
making processes.

10. CONCLUSION
This study has found that translating English idioms indeed presents numerous challenges
due to the complexities arising from style, cultural connotations, and the lack of direct
equivalents in other languages. The analysis of translation choices reveals that translators
employ various strategies such as literal translation, paraphrasing, cultural equivalents,
and adaptation to tackle these challenges. However, the selection of a suitable strategy

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depends on factors such as linguistic and cultural similarities between the source and
target languages.
This study found that the most important difficulties, research question 1, that face the
translators in translating English idioms are: Cultural Differences; 50% of the
participants' notes mentioned challenges related to cultural differences, Semantic
Obstacles; 40% of the notes mentioned difficulties in dealing with the figurative or
metaphorical meanings of idiomatic expressions and the need to find suitable equivalents
in the target language, and the Unfamiliarity of some Idioms; 30% of the notes
highlighted challenges encountered when translating less familiar idioms.
The study also found that, in terms of the strategies used in translating English idioms as
stated in research question 2, the most recurrently mentioned strategies are: Literal
Translation; 40% of the translations involved a literal translation approach, Paraphrasing;
30% of the translations used paraphrasing, where participants rephrase the idiom using
equivalent expressions or alternative wording to convey the intended meaning, Searching
for the Cultural Equivalents; 20% of the translations have used cultural equivalents,
where participants replace the English idiom with a similar idiom or expression in the
target language that carries a similar meaning, lastly, Adaptation; 10% of the translations
used adaptation strategy, where participants modify or adjust the idiomatic expression to
fit the target language while maintaining the idiomatic sense.
In relation to semantic obstacles, research question 3, this study found that semantics also
posed a difficulty in translating English idioms, as 40% of the notes mentioned
difficulties in dealing with the figurative or metaphorical meanings of idiomatic
expressions. Additionally, figurative coherence was an obstacle to 20% of the
participants as 20% of the notes discussed the trade-off between preserving the figurative
nature of idioms and ensuring linguistic coherence in the target language.

REFERENCES
AlShawi, M. &Mahadi, T.S.T. (2012)Strategies for translating idioms from Arabic int
o English and vice versa.
Journal of American Arabic Academy for Sciences and Technology, 3 (6), 139-147.
Baker, M. (1991). In the other words: A course book on translation. London: Routledge.
Howwar, M. (2013). Seeking the nature of idioms: A socio-
cultural study in idiomatic English and
Arabic meanings. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications (3)
2, pp. 13.
Ibrahim, H. & Shaban, A. (2023). Difficulties of Translating News Political Terms from
English into Arabic and vice versa in Selected Newspapers. Vol.7, No.4, pp. 405-427.
Loescher, W. (1991).Translation performance, translation process and translation
[Link]: GutenNarr.
Moon, R. (1998). Fixed expressions and idioms in English: A corpus-
based approach. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

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Shareef, O. & Sahyoun, M. (2023). Assessment of the Translation of Metaphor and

Simile in Selected Quranic Verses into English. Journal of Language [Link].7,No.2,
pp. 396-415.
Smadi, A. (2015), Difficulties EFL Jordanian university students encounter in translating
English idioms into Arabic, Journal of Education and Practice, 6 (10), p.124-133
Shojaei, A. (2012). Translation of Idioms and Fixed Expressions: Strategies and
Difficulties. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Vol. 2, No. 6, pp. 1220-1229.

Appendix I: The Most Recurrent Errors in the Participants Answers:

1. "He offered me a free vacation, but I should Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."
."‫ ولكن يجب أن أحذر اليونانيين يحملون الهدايا‬،‫ علي عطلة مجانية‬-
- Translation 2
."‫ ولكن يجب أن أحذر اليونانيين يأتون بهدايا‬،‫"عرض علي عطلة مجانية‬
2. "The politician knew that he would be crossing the Rubicon."
." ‫"عرف السياسي أنه سيعبر الروبيكون‬
- Translation 2
."‫"عرف السياسي أنه سيتجاوز الروبيكون‬
3. "Despite the reassurances, the employees saw the writing on the wall and feared
layoffs were imminent."
- Translation 1:
."‫ رأى الموظفون الكتابة على الحائط وخشوا أن األجور قد تكون وشيكة‬،‫"على الرغم من التأكيدات‬
- Translation 2
." ‫ رأى الموظفون الكتابة على الحائط وخشوا أن الفصل الوظيفي قد يكون وشي ًكا‬،‫"على الرغم من التأكيدات‬
4. "It was like having the sword of Damocles hanging over me."
- Translation 1
."‫"كان األمر مثل وجود سيف داموكليس يعلق فوقي‬
- Translation 2
."‫"كان األمر مثل وجود سيف داموكليس يعلق فوق رأسي‬

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5. "The enormous legal fees made it a Pyrrhic victory for the plaintiff."
- Translation 1
." ‫انتصارا بيري ًكا للمدعي‬
ً ‫"رسوم المحاماة الضخمة جعلتها‬
- Translation 2
."‫انتصارا باهظ الثمن للمدعي‬
ً ‫"الرسوم القانونية الضخمة جعلتها‬

6. "He tried to pass the buck to his subordinates."

- Translation 1
."‫"حاول أن ينقل المسؤولية إلى مرؤوسيه‬
- Translation 2
."‫"حاول أن يمرر الدوالر إلى مرؤوسيه‬
7. "In his speech, the politician threw down the gauntlet in the face of his opponents."
- Translation 1
." ‫ رمى السياسي القفاز في وجه خصومه‬،‫"في خطابه‬
- Translation 2
." ‫ رمى السياسي التحدي في وجه خصومه‬،‫"في خطابه‬
8. "He accidentally let the cat out of the bag."
- Translation 1
." ‫ أطلق الوحش من الحقيبة‬،‫"بطريقة غير مقصودة‬
- Translation 2
."‫ أخرج القط من الحقيبة‬،‫"بطريقة غير مقصودة‬
9. "While revising the book, the editor cautioned the author not to throw the baby out
with the bathwater."
- Translation 1
."‫ حذر المحرر الكاتب من رمي الطفل مع ماء االستحمام‬،‫"أثناء مراجعة الكتاب‬
- Translation 2
." ‫ حذر المحرر الكاتب من رمي الطفل في الحمام‬،‫"أثناء مراجعة الكتاب‬

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10. "She presented her groundbreaking research to the committee, feeling like she was
casting pearls before swine."
- Translation 1
." ‫ شعرت وكأنها تلبس الآللئ للخنازير‬،‫"قدمت أبحاثها المبتكرة إلى اللجنة‬
- Translation 2
." ‫ شعرت وكأنها تلقي الآللئ في وجه الخنازير‬،‫"قدمت أبحاثها الثورية إلى اللجنة‬

Appendix II: The Typical Translation:

1. "He offered me a free vacation, but I should Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."
."‫ لكن يجب أن أحذر من اليونانيين حتى عندما يحملون الهدايا‬،‫" عرض علي إجازة مجانية‬
2. "The politician knew that he would be crossing the Rubicon."
."‫" عرف السياسي أنه سيعبر خط الالرجعة‬
3. "Despite the reassurances, the employees saw the writing on the wall and feared
layoffs were imminent."
."‫ توقع الموظفون األسوأ وخشوا أن إقالتهم قد تكون وشيكة‬،‫" على الرغم من التطمين‬
4. "It was like having the sword of Damocles hanging over me."
."‫" كان األمر مثل وجود سيف داموكليس فوق رقبتي‬
5. "The enormous legal fees made it a Pyrrhic victory for the plaintiff."
."‫انتصارا مكلفا ً للغاية واشبه بالخسارة‬
ً ‫" رسوم المحاماة الضخمة جعلته‬
6. "He tried to pass the buck to his subordinates."
."‫" حاول رمي المسؤولية على مرؤوسيه‬
7. "In his speech, the politician threw down the gauntlet in the face of his opponents."
."‫ تحدى السياسي خصومه‬،‫" في خطابه‬
8. "He accidentally let the cat out of the bag."
."‫" لقد كشف عن الخدعة بالصدفة‬
9. "While revising the book, the editor cautioned the author not to throw the baby out
with the bathwater."
."‫ حذر المحرر الكاتب أال يحذف األشياء المهمة مع األشياء التافهة‬،‫" أثناء مراجعة الكتاب‬

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 Journal of Language Studies. Vol.8, No.3, 2024, Pages (335-347)
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10. "She presented her groundbreaking research to the committee, feeling like she was
casting pearls before swine."

."‫ لكنها شعرت وكأنها تعطي الآللئ للخنازير‬،‫قدمت بحثها الرائد إلى اللجنة‬ "

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