🇪🇺 Idioms from Europe: France, Germany, and Portugal

Idioms from Around the World: A Window into Language and Culture

Idioms are expressions that carry meanings beyond their literal words. They reflect the history, humor, and mindset of a culture. Learning idioms can help you understand a language better and connect with native speakers. Here are some fascinating idioms from different parts of the world:

🇫🇷 French Idioms

1. Avoir le cafard – “To have the cockroach.”

   • Meaning: To feel down or depressed.

2. Mettre son grain de sel – “To put in your grain of salt.”

   • Meaning: To give an unsolicited opinion.

3. Les carottes sont cuites – “The carrots are cooked.”

   • Meaning: It’s too late; there’s no turning back.

4. Tomber dans les pommes – “To fall into the apples.”

   • Meaning: To faint or pass out.

5. Casser les pieds à quelqu’un – “To break someone’s feet.”

   • Meaning: To annoy or bother someone.

6. Être dans de beaux draps – “To be in beautiful sheets.”

   • Meaning: To be in a difficult situation.

🇩🇪 German Idioms

1. Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof – “I only understand train station.”

   • Meaning: I have no idea what you’re talking about.

2. Das ist nicht mein Bier – “That’s not my beer.”

   • Meaning: It’s not my problem.

3. Tomaten auf den Augen haben – “To have tomatoes on your eyes.”

   • Meaning: Not seeing something obvious.

4. Eine Extrawurst verlangen – “To ask for an extra sausage.”

   • Meaning: To want special treatment.

5. Hummeln im Hintern haben – “To have bumblebees in your backside.”

   • Meaning: To be very restless or hyperactive.

6. Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen – “To hit the nail on the head.”

   • Meaning: To be exactly right.

🇵🇹 Portuguese Idioms

1. Pagar o pato – “To pay the duck.”

   • Meaning: To take the blame for something you didn’t do.

2. Ter macaquinhos na cabeça – “To have little monkeys in your head.”

   • Meaning: To overthink or be paranoid.

3. Estar com a pulga atrás da orelha – “To have a flea behind your ear.”

   • Meaning: To be suspicious or uneasy.

4. Partir a loiça toda – “To break all the dishes.”

   • Meaning: To make a scene or impress everyone.

5. Ficar a ver navios – “To be left watching ships.”

   • Meaning: To be left empty-handed or disappointed.

6. Empurrar com a barriga – “To push with the belly.”

   • Meaning: To procrastinate or delay something.

Final Thoughts

Idioms add color and personality to a language. They reflect cultural values and history in unique ways. Whether you’re learning a new language or traveling, knowing idioms can help you sound more natural and connect with locals.