lose in translation

American  

[looz in tranz-ley-shuhn, trans-] / ˈluz ɪn trænzˈleɪ ʃən, træns- /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of lose in translation

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