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 • Sep. 23, 2021

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Codes of conduct hammered out in corporate offices in the West can lose in translation when applied overseas.

From Time Magazine Archive

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 Letters of a Diplomat's Wife 1883-1900 by Waddington, Mary King