Latvian Idioms
You all know what an idiom is - it’s a phrase or expression with a symbolic meaning different from its literal interpretation. They are a common feature in many languages, and Latvian is no exception. Idioms can be a fun and challenging way to learn a new language, as they often require you to understand the cultural context in which they are used. The more you learn a new language the more familiar you are with different language-specific sayings, and phrases, that carry much more than just the words you hear.
Some Latvian idioms are directly translated from other languages. For example, the English idiom "break a leg" is translated into Latvian as "salauz kāju." However, many Latvian idioms have their own unique meaning and origin. And here are some other examples with directly translated idioms:
Every cloud has a silver lining - “Katram mākonim ir zelta maliņa” (in difficult or challenging situations, there is always some hope or positive aspect)
Breaking the ice - “Salauzt ledu” (initiate a conversation or ease tension in a social setting)
In the same boat - “Vienā laivā” (to be in the same situation or facing the same challenges as others)
All your eggs in one basket - “Visas olas vienā groziņā” (put all your chances into a single plan or solution)
Light at the end of the tunnel - “Gaisma tuneļa galā” (have a positive outcome after difficulties)
But in many cases, Latvian idioms have the same meaning but are expressed with different words. For example, if in English you want to say that someone died, you can say one kicked the bucket, but in Latvian one “Nolika karoti” (put his spoon down).
If in English we might say that silence is golden, then in Latvian the saying is more specific “Runāšana sudrabs, klusēšana zelts” (Speaking is silver, silence is gold).
Extremely happy people are on cloud nine, and extremely happy Latvians are “septītajās debesīs” (on seventh heaven).
In English one might kill two birds with one stone, but Latvians say “divi putni ar vienu šāvienu” (2 birds with one shoot) meaning to achieve two goals with a single action.
You can turn a blind eye to a situation you intentionally want to overlook, but you can also just “pievērt acis” (close your eyes)
For good luck in English, we keep our fingers crossed, but in Latvian we “turam īkšus” (hold our thumbs).
If we get our energy back after we have felt tired in English we get a second wind but in Latvian, we have “otrā elpa” (second breath).
I hope this helps you learn more about Latvian idioms. If you know any other interesting idioms from your language, please share them in the discussion section. Idioms are a fun and informative way to learn about different cultures, so I encourage you to explore them!