# lost in translation

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lost-in-translation
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Unable to be understood due to having been poorly translated.

## Examples

- The meaning of the poem was lost in translation.
- I tried to explain the joke to my friend, but the humor was lost in translation.
- Although the author attempted to convey the cultural nuances of her homeland, much of the emotional depth was unfortunately lost in translation during the final edit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.