Non-English Idioms:
Here are some idioms from different languages with their English translations and explanations:
Spanish:
* "No hay mal que dure cien años, ni cuerpo que lo resista." (No evil lasts a hundred years, nor body that can resist it.) - This idiom emphasizes that even the worst times will eventually pass.
* "Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando." (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.) - This idiom encourages pragmatism and valuing what you have rather than chasing uncertain possibilities.
* "A palabras necias, oídos sordos." (To foolish words, deaf ears.) - This idiom advises ignoring pointless or senseless conversations.
French:
* "Il n'y a pas de fumée sans feu." (There is no smoke without fire.) - This idiom implies that there is usually a reason or truth behind rumors and gossip.
* "L'habit ne fait pas le moine." (The clothes do not make the monk.) - This idiom emphasizes that appearances can be deceiving, and one should not judge someone based solely on their outward appearance.
* "Qui se ressemble s'assemble." (Birds of a feather flock together.) - This idiom suggests that people with similar characteristics tend to associate with each other.
German:
* "Wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen." (He who says A must also say B.) - This idiom implies that if you start something, you should be prepared to see it through to the end.
* "Ein Unglück kommt selten allein." (Misfortune rarely comes alone.) - This idiom suggests that bad things often happen in succession.
* "Aller guten Dinge sind drei." (All good things come in threes.) - This idiom expresses a belief that things that are good or lucky often happen in sets of three.
Japanese:
* "猫の手も借りたい" (Even a cat's paw would be helpful.) - This idiom expresses desperation and the need for any assistance, even if it's minimal.
* "石の上にも三年" (Even on a stone, three years.) - This idiom emphasizes the importance of perseverance and dedication, even in seemingly fruitless situations.
* "出る杭は打たれる" (The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.) - This idiom implies that those who stand out or are different are often criticized or punished.
Chinese:
* "一石二鳥" (One stone, two birds.) - This idiom refers to achieving two goals with one action.
* "水滴石穿" (Water drips through stone.) - This idiom emphasizes the power of persistence and patience, even in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
* "塞翁失馬，焉知非福" (The old man of the border lost his horse, but who knows if it was a blessing?) - This idiom highlights that what seems like a misfortune may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
This is just a small sample of the many non-English idioms that exist. Learning these expressions can offer a glimpse into different cultures and ways of thinking, enriching your understanding of language and the world around you.