“Cada ovelha com sua parede” or in other words, “Only a goat admires another goat’s tail;” this idiomatic Portuguese saying hilariously depicts how our cultural perspective shapes not only the language we speak but also the way we think and comprehend the world. Across continents and societies, quirky sayings, idioms, and phrases seep into everyday language, enriching conversations, and offering a vibrant peek into a nation’s customs, philosophy and even humor. This extensive article is a vivid exploration of such quirky, engaging and consequential pearls of wisdom from various countries.
Most countries have adages that mold their societal ethos. For instance, let’s start with Germany. “Alle Wege führen nach Rom,” which translates to “All roads lead to Rome,” is often used to convey that there isn’t just one way to achieve a goal. Another German saying, “Auf alten Schiffen lernt man Segeln,” or “One learns to sail on old ships,” encourages one to respect experience, asserting that there is much to learn from the old or experienced.
Next, we traverse to Japan. The Japanese saying, “Deru kugi wa utareru,” or “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” echoes the cultural emphasis on conformity. It’s a stark reminder of the long-standing societal pressure to blend in rather than stand out. Further, the idiom, “Naki-neiri,” which translates to “falling asleep while crying,” hints at Japanese resilience, a concept profoundly rooted in their history and tradition.
Journeying to China, you’ll hear, “Lao hu kou li qu, bu pa hu zhi er,” meaning, “enter a tiger’s den to catch its cub.” This saying emphasizes the notion that no reward can come without risks. Another entertaining Chinese phrase, “Máo rén bù tān tóu,” which signifies “Bald people don’t talk about hair,” is used as a reminder to steer clear of topics which might unwittingly expose one’s weaknesses or shortcomings.
Italy has its share of peculiar sayings too. “Meglio un giorno da leone che cento da pecora,” or “Better one day as a lion than a hundred as a sheep,” underlines the importance Italians place on bravery and leadership over passive adherence. Additionally, “Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano,” which means, “Who goes slowly, goes healthily and far,” depicts the Italian love for the slow-paced, relaxed lifestyle.
In France, you’ll often hear, “On ne fait pas d’omelette sans casser des œufs,” which translates to “You cannot make an omelet without breaking eggs,” a popular phrase reflecting the French view that it’s impossible to achieve something without causing a few disruptions. Furthermore, “Les carottes sont cuites,” or “The carrots are cooked,” humorously expresses the finality of a situation, similar to the English expression, “The jig is up.”
Heading over to Russia, we find sayings that expose the nation’s tumultuous history and resilient character. “Delat iz mukhi slona,” or “To make an elephant out of a fly,” is the Russian equivalent of making a mountain out of a molehill. They also have the phrase, “Odnázhdy vyrublenniy les ne vozrastët,” meaning, “Once the forest is cut down, it won’t grow back,” folkloring the philosophy that some mistakes cannot be undone.
In Turkey, the saying, “Davulun sesi uzaktan hoş gelir,” or “The drum sounds good from a distance,” is their equivalent of “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Another popular saying, “Bal tutan parmağını yalar,” meaning, “One who handles honey, licks his fingers,” is a way of expressing that there will always be some personal benefit involved in every job or task.
As we near the end of our journey, let’s venture into the African continent, specifically Ghana. The saying, “Sankɔfa: it’s not wrong to go back for what you forget,” signifies the cultural importance of learning from the past to prepare for the future.
Traveling all the way down under to Australia, we find a range of colloquialisms that reflect the nation’s unique sense of humor. “Flat out like a lizard drinking,” implies someone is extremely busy, while “Don’t come the raw prawn with me,” is a warning against deception or dishonesty.
Our journey affirms that language is the embodiment of a nation’s ethos, history, and perspective. While these quirky sayings may initially seem strange or amusing, they are the key to understanding the cultural and philosophical background of different societies. United in their charm and wisdom, they serve as a testament to the joie de vivre that makes life in different parts of the world as engaging and varied as the idiom.
