Holidays Around the World
Not-So Identical Idioms
Lost in Translation
False Friends
Where is this Spoken?
100
Taking place on November 1st and 2nd, this Mexican Holiday celebrates those who have passed on
What is Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead?
100
In Chinese: “一箭双雕” (Yī jiàn shuāng diāo). Literal translation: “One arrow, two eagles.”
What is "to kill 2 birds with 1 stone?"
100
Portuguese: “Pagar o pato.” Literally translates to “To pay the duck.”
What is "To take the blame?"
100
“Embarazada” in Spanish is not “embarrassed”—what does it mean?
What is Pregnant?
100
Guaraní/Avañe’ẽ
Where is Paraguay?
200
This Brazilian holiday is celebrated annually on the Friday afternoon before Ash Wednesday
What is Carnival?
200
In French: “Appeler un chat un chat.” This literally means: “To call a cat a cat”
What is to "call a spade a spade" / speak plainly?
200
French: “Les carottes sont cuites.” Translates to: “The carrots are cooked.”
What is "It's too late/it's over/it's cooked/it is what it is?" 
200
French: “Journée” looks like “journey,” but what does it actually mean?
What is day (duration of a day)?
200
Gaeilge
Where is Ireland?
300
This festival in Buñol, Spain paints the town red and is considered the world’s biggest food fight
What is La Tomatina?
300
in German: “Die Daumen drücken.” This literally translates to: “Press the thumbs”
What is to keep your fingers crossed / wish for good luck?
300
Japanese: “猫の手も借りたい” (Neko no te mo karitai) “Want to borrow even a cat’s paw.”
What is "I'm extremely busy?"
300
Korean: “화이팅” (hwaiting) is derived as a borrowing from the English word “fighting,” but it’s used differently in Korean — what does it mean?
What is "Let's go!" or "come on!"
300
Buraka
Where is the Cental African Republic?
400
The festival of colors, love, and spring
What is Holi?
400
Italian: “In bocca al lupo!” Literal translation: “Into the wolf’s mouth!”)
What is Good luck! (English speakers often say “Break a leg”)
400
Mandarin: (加油 – jiā yóu) "To add oil"
What is cheer up / keep going / you got this?
400
Japanese: “口” (ku-chi) Get your head out of the gutter
What is Mouth?
400
Amis
Where is Taiwan?
500
Get your Super Soaker ready for this national holiday in Thailand known for its massive water fights
What is Songkran or Thai New Year?
500
Thai: "ชาติหน้าตอนบ่าย ๆ" Literal translation: “One afternoon in your next reincarnation.”
What is to say “When pigs fly” or “It’s never gonna happen.”
500
German: “Ich verstehe nur Bahnhof. “I only understand train station.”
What is I don’t understand anything / It’s all gibberish to me?
500
Portuguese: “parentes” in Portuguese doesn’t mean “parents,” but its real meaning is close! What is the real meaning?
What is relatives?
500
Chippewa/Anishinaabemowin
Where is the Midwest United States? (Indigenous North American language)