In English, we might say that someone born to a life of luxury was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. In Swedish, though, the image is different. Someone similarly spoiled is said to “slide in on a shrimp sandwich.” For more picturesque idioms from foreign languages, check out Suzanne Brock’s beautifully illustrated Idiom’s Delight. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Slide in on a Shrimp Sandwich”
You’re listening to A Way with Words, the show about language and how we use it. I’m Grant Barrett.
And I’m Martha Barnette.
If somebody is born to a life of luxury, they don’t have to work to get where they are. We say that they were born with a silver spoon in their mouth, right?
But you know what they say in Sweden?
No, I don’t. Born with a fish in your mouth.
Close. They say that person slid in on a shrimp sandwich. I mean, they say it in Swedish, but the image is so fabulous, you know? To slide in on a shrimp sandwich.
And why not?
Why not?
Yeah.
I love idioms, Grant, as you know. I collect them, and I’ve got another one I’d like to try on you. Tell me if you can guess what this one is. It’s from Russian, and the translation is, when a lobster whistles on top of a mountain.
When pigs fly.
Yes, exactly.
Exactly.
In Dutch, it’s when the cows are dancing on the ice. And the idea is, you know, it’s just not going to happen.
In Thailand, what they say instead of when pigs fly is something that translates as one afternoon in your next reincarnation.
Oh, interesting.
And there’s a book about idioms that I always recommend and give to people as gifts. It’s just light and fun. And it’s beautifully illustrated. It’s called Idioms Delight by Suzanne Brock. I don’t think it’s in print, but it’s worth tracking down.
Awesome.
We’d love to hear your favorite idioms in English or any other language. 877-929-9673. Email us, words@waywordradio.org, and we’ll take your questions on Twitter at the handle W-A-Y-W-O-R-D.
