lost in translation

Also common in the states. Comment by: james dawson   

When a literal translation of a word or phrase makes no sense in another language, and then has to be rewritten or explained to be understood. When something is translated into another language, but the true sense of the word or phrase is lost, changed or misconstrued. When a word or phrase is translated too literally, or historical context is lost because foreigners do not get the reference. Comment by: Sylvia   

Lost in Transl... have not got a clue what your on about. (No that's what it means) Comment by: Jez A Bell   

I didn't think there was any english speaking country that doesn't use this phrase. Comment by: Jessi