Idioms Translator

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Base language: EN

Letter: a

Total idioms: 9849 - currently selected: 459 (50 per page)

(a day) after the fair

Details:
Too late


Examples:
But no matter what he undertakes he is always a day after the fair.


La spartul targului

Detalii:
Prea tarziu


Exemple:
Dar orice ar intreprinde, o face totdeauna la spartul targului.

(A) cut above

Details:

Something which is a cut above everything else is better or of higher quality. Superior to the norm.



Examples:

1. The articles in this magazine are a cut above the others.
2. He is a cut above the rest in his public speaking.




Mai presus decat/Deasupra

Detalii:

Ceva ce este mai presus decat orice altceva este mai bine sau de o calitate superioara. Deasupra normei.



Exemple:

1. Articolele din revista asta sunt mai presus decat altele.
2. Este deasupra tuturor in discursul sau public.


(As) blind as a bat

Details:
Someone whose vision is very poor, or who is unable to see anything, is (as) blind as a bat. Nearly totally blind, having a very poor sense of vision.


Examples:
Without his glasses, the old man is as blind as a bat.


Orb ca noaptea

Detalii:
Cineva a carui vedere este foarte slaba sau aproape lipseste cu desavarsire.


Exemple:
Fara ochelari, batranul era orb ca noaptea.

(As) Slippery as an eel

Details:
To say that someone is as slippery as an eel means that they are difficult to catch and they manage to avoid answering questions.
So crafty, or cunning that they cannot be caught by the police, although it is known that they are acting illegally.


Examples:
The man was as slippery as an eel. He was arrested for theft several times but was never convicted.


Siret ca vulpea

Detalii:
A fi siret ca vulpea inseamna ca esti greu de prins si reusesti sa eviti diverse intrebari si situatii.


Exemple:
Omul era siret ca vulpea. A fost arestat pentru furt de cateva ori dar nu a fost niciodata condamnat.

(to be) like two peas in a pod

Details:
Expression used to describe two people or things which are extremely similar or alike.


Examples:
Betty and Jennifer are as alike as two peas in a pod, so it's no wonder people sometimes mistake them for sisters.


(A semana) ca doua picaturi de apa

Detalii:
Expresie folosita pentru a descrie doi oameni sau lucruri care sunt extrem de similare sau asemanatoare.


Exemple:
Betty si Jennifer seamana ca doua picaturi de apa, deci nu e de mirare ca oamenii spun cateodata ca sunt surori.

(To be/get) (A)round the bend

Details:
1. Crazy, insane.
2. Sometimes it means intoxicated from alcohol or drugs.


Examples:
1. I think this job is sending me around the bend.
Tell me frankly: do you think my father's round the bend?
I was sure I locked that door. I must be going round the bend.

2. One more of those, and you'll be around the bend.
From the glassy look in her eyes, I'd say she is completely round the bend now.



(A face/fi/dus) Cu capul

Detalii:
1. Nebun 2. Se foloseste si cu sensul de intoxicat cu alcool sau droguri


Exemple:
1. Cred ca serviciul asta ma face cu capul.
Spune-mi sincer: crezi ca taica-meu e dus cu capul?
Eram sigur ca am inchis usa. E clar ca sunt dus cu capul.

2. Inca una din astea si o iei cu capul.
Din expresia sticloasa din ochii ei, as putea spune ca e complet dusa cu capul.

A bit much

Details:
More than is reasonable or more than you can deal with; a bit too much.


Examples:
I thought being asked to miss my lunch was a bit much.


Un pic cam mult/Putin prea mult

Detalii:
Mai mult decat este rezonabil sau mai mult decat ceea ce poti sa faci.


Exemple:
Am crezut ca daca mi s-ar cere sa sar peste micul dejul ar fi putin prea mult.

A cat in gloves catches no mice

Details:
This expression means that if you are too careful and polite, you may not obtain what you want.


Examples:
Negotiate carefully, but remember : a cat in gloves catches no mice!




Detalii:


Exemple:

A cold day in july

Details:
The time of occurrence of an event that will never happen.


Examples:
It'll be a cold day in July when that happens.

Dixie Chicks - Cold Day In July



Cand va/o zbura porcul

Detalii:
Un eveniment care nu se va intampla niciodata.


Exemple:
Se va intampla aia cand o zbura porcul.

A cut below

Details:
Inferior to; of a lower quality than


Examples:



Putin mai prost

Detalii:
De o calitate mai proasta sau inferior fata de altceva


Exemple:

A day late and a dollar short

Details:

(US, idiomatic) Action that was taken too late and is too feeble to be of any use.



Examples:

1. His apology was a day late and a dollar short.
2. Jake tried to repair his relationship with his girlfriend after forgetting her birthday, but she viewed his efforts as a day late and a dollar short.
3. Help arrived a day late and a dollar short.



Origin:

The oldest known use of the phrase a day late and a dollar short in print was in 1939. Originally, the phrase a day late and a dollar short most probably referred to not having enough money to avail oneself of something. 
The idiom was most certainly in common use before this, and probably has its roots in the general poverty common among most American citizens during the Great Depression. The idiom is very popular in the American South.



 



 



 




Prea tarziu si prea putin (ccc*)

Detalii:

(SUA, idiomatic) Actiune careAction that was taken too late and is too feeble to be of any use.



Exemple:

A done deal

Details:
This expression is used to refer to an agreement or decision which has been reached on a certain matter


Examples:
We're still considering several proposals, so it's not a done deal yet.


Batut(a) in cuie

Detalii:
Se refera la o decizie sau intelegere care a fost deja stabilita/incheiata.


Exemple:
Inca mai asteptam cateva propuneri, deci nu e batut in cuie inca.

A fat cat

Details:
The idiom "A fat cat" typically refers to a wealthy and influential person, especially one who uses their power and wealth to benefit themselves or a select few, often at the expense of others. It's often used to describe individuals who are perceived as greedy, corrupt, or self-serving. 
To refer to a rich and powerful person as a fat cat means that you disapprove of the way they use their money or power. 


Examples:
1. The place was full of fat cats on their big yachts.
2. The fat cats in the corporate world care more about profits than the well-being of their employees.
3. The political elite are often seen as fat cats, disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens.


Origin:
The origin of the idiom "fat cat" is thought to be rooted in the imagery of a corpulent cat lounging in luxury, with its fatness symbolizing wealth and excess. The term gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, particularly in political and economic contexts, to describe wealthy individuals who wielded significant power and influence.


Un îmbuibat

Detalii:
Expresia "Un îmbuibat" se referă în general la o persoană bogată și influentă, în special una care își folosește puterea și averea pentru a se bucura singură sau pentru a servi doar câțiva apropiați, adesea în detrimentul altora. Este folosită pentru a descrie persoane care sunt considerate lacome, corupte sau care acționează în propriul interes.


Exemple:
1. Locul era plin de îmbuibați și de iahturile lor uriașe.
2. Îmbuibații din lumea corporatistă se preocupă mai mult de profituri decât de bunăstarea angajaților lor.
3. Elitele politice sunt adesea percepute ca fiind îmbuibați, deconectați de la problemele cetățenilor obișnuiți.


Origine:
De asemenea, "Îmbuibat" în limba română evocă imaginea unei persoane care este bine hrănită și bogată, poate până la exces.

A fault confessed is half redressed

Details:


Examples:



Pacatul marturisit este pe jumatate iertat

Detalii:


Exemple:

A few sandwiches short of a picnic

Details:
a few sandwiches short of a picnic
1. (idiomatic) Exhibiting disquiet or unsoundness of mind; not sane; mad.
? I think the lady down the road is a few sandwiches short of a picnic — you often hear strange bangings at odd hours in the morning.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A fool's tongue is long enough to cut his own throat

Details:


Examples:



Fiecare pasare pe limba ei piere

Detalii:


Exemple:

A fresh fucked fox in a forest fire

Details:
a fresh fucked fox in a forest fire
1. (vulgar, chiefly Southern US) Something which is extremely hot, in any sense. Hot weather, sexual arousal, one who is wanted by the police, etc. are all described as "hotter than..." or "as hot as a fresh fucked fox in a forest fire",


Examples:





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Exemple:

A friend in need is a friend indeed

Details:


Examples:



Prietenul la nevoie se cunoaste

Detalii:


Exemple:

A good bestill is worth a groat

Details:


Examples:



Vorba multa, saracia omului

Detalii:


Exemple:

A good deal

Details:
a good deal (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
? We had a good deal more money afterwards.
a good deal (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) A large amount; a lot.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A good voice to beg bacon

Details:
a good voice to beg bacon
1. (idiomatic, vulgar) said in ridicule of a bad voice.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A great deal

Details:
a great deal (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
? We had a great deal more money afterwards.
? They had a great deal less than we had.
a great deal (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic) A large amount; a lot.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A hundred and ten percent

Details:
a hundred and ten percent
1. (idiomatic, US, sports, informal) A level of effort exceeding one's sustained capacity, possibly risking injury.
? "We busted our tails and won, we gave 110%".
2. (idiomatic, colloquial) The exertion of more than seems possible, hence 110%, not 100%, the usual maximum amount possible.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A into g

Details:
1. Arse into gear (English), ass into gear (American).


Examples:
C'mon Geoffrey, we're already five minutes late, so get your a into g!




Detalii:


Exemple:

A kickback

Details:
This expression refers to money paid illegally for favourable treatment.


Examples:
The property developers were accused of giving kickbacks to the local authorities.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A life of its own

Details:
a life of its own (plural lives of their own)
1. (idiomatic) An independent existence with some characteristics of life.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A little bird told me

Details:
a little bird told me
1. (idiomatic) I received the information from a source not to be overtly exposed.
? Let's just say I know because a little bird told me.


Examples:





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Exemple:

A little bit of bread and no cheese

Details:
a little bit of bread and no cheese
1. (UK, idiomatic, onomatopoeic) the song of the yellowhammer.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A little from column a, a little from column b

Details:
a little from column A, a little from column B (uncountable)
1. (idiomatic, informal) A combination of two factors or reasons.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A long row to hoe

Details:
A difficult task, assignment or undertaking that will take a long time isa long row to hoe. 


Examples:
Getting through medical school is going to be a long row to hoe.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A lot

Details:
a lot
1. A large amount.
? I have a lot of things to say.
2. Many things, much.
? A lot depends on whether your parents agree.
a lot (not comparable)
1. (idiomatic) very much; a great deal; to a large extent.
? Thanks a lot for listening to me.
? It's a lot harder than it


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A lot on your plate

Details:
If someone has a lot on their plate, they are extremely busy or have several problems to handle at the same time.


Examples:
It's not a good time to discuss the problem with David.  He's got a lot on his plate at the moment.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A man's praise in his own mouth stinks

Details:


Examples:



Lauda de sine nu miroase a bine

Detalii:


Exemple:

A matter of form

Details:
If you do something out of politeness, or because it is accepted practice or the usual way of doing something, you do it as a matter of form.


Examples:
I know we're in agreement, but I need your signature as a matter of form.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A moot point

Details:
A subject which gives rise to argument or debate is called a moot point.


Examples:
Whether Bach composed it himself or not is a moot point among musicians.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A must / it's a must

Details:
Expresses an essential or absolutely necessary thing.


Examples:
I'm thinking about visiting Scotland. What do you think? O, it's a must! You'll love it.


Musai / E musai

Detalii:
Exprima un lucru esential sau absolut necesar.


Exemple:
Ma gandesc sa vizitez Scotia. Ce crezi? O, e musai! O sa-ti placa foarte mult.

A notch above

Details:
Something that is a notch above something else is a little better in every way.


Examples:
His rendering of the song was a notch above the others.
The hotel we stayed in this year was fabulous. It put our vacation a notch above the rest.





Detalii:


Exemple:

A picture is worth a thousand words

Details:
This expression means that a picture can give just as much information as a large amount of descriptive text.


Examples:
Look at the picture of the crash! A picture is worth a thousand words isn't it?




Detalii:


Exemple:

A quick drop and a sudden stop

Details:
a quick drop and a sudden stop (plural quick drops and sudden stops)
1. (idiomatic) A fall to one’s death, especially by hanging.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A riddle wrapped up in an enigma

Details:
a riddle wrapped up in an enigma
1. (idiomatic) Something very mysterious and hidden.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A rip-off

Details:

To say that something is a rip-off means that it costs much more than it should.



Examples:

$10 for an orange juice?  That's a rip-off!




Jecmaneala

Detalii:

Cand spui ca ceva e o jecmaneala inseamna ca a costat mult mai mult decat facea.



Exemple:

10 lei pentru un suc de portocale? Asta e jecmaneala!


A roland for an oliver

Details:
a Roland for an Oliver (plural Rolands for Olivers)
1. (idiomatic) Equal measure; measure for measure; adequate response.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A scholar and a gentleman

Details:
a scholar and a gentleman (plural scholars and gentlemen)
1. (idiomatic) an admirable person


Examples:





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Exemple:

A screw loose

Details:
If someone has a screw loose, their behaviour is strange and they appear slightly mad.


Examples:
She wears a fur coat in the summer - she must have a screw loose!




Detalii:


Exemple:

A stitherum

Details:
Someone who is (all) in a stitherum is excited, agitated or confused about something.


Examples:
The mayor's resignation created quite a stitherum in the town.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A storm is brewing

Details:
If you say that a storm is brewing, you mean that the atmosphere indicates that there is going to be trouble, probably with outbursts of anger or emotion.


Examples:
As soon as we saw Pete's face, we knew there was a storm brewing.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A thousand times

Details:
This expresses exasperation at having constantly to repeat the same thing.


Examples:
I've told you a thousand times to wipe your feet before coming in!




Detalii:


Exemple:

A waiting game

Details:
A person who plays a waiting game delays taking any action or making any decision because they prefer to wait and see how things develop, usually in the hope that this will put them in a stronger position.


Examples:
Our competitors are not reacting. They're playing a waiting game.




Detalii:


Exemple:

A week from next tuesday

Details:
a week from next Tuesday
1. (idiomatic) Some unspecified time in the future.
2. (idiomatic, usually preceded by until) Forever.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:

A week is a long time in politics

Details:
a week is a long time in politics
1. In politics, a lot of change can happen in a short space of time.


Examples:





Detalii:


Exemple:


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