Illustrated Idioms

Bulgarian and German idioms

Different paths can take you to the same goal.

Всички пътища водят към Цариград
All roads lead to Zarigrad (Istanbul).

Bulgarian Idiom:

'Всички пътища водят към Цариград.'

Metaphorical Meaning:

Different paths can take you to the same goal.

Alle Wege führen nach Rom.
All roads lead to Rome.

German Idiom:

'Alle Wege führen nach Rom.'

Metaphorical Meaning:

Different paths can take you to the same goal.



If you accomplish two aims with a single action.

С един куршум два заека.
With one bullet, two rabbits.

Bulgarian Idiom:

'С един куршум, два заека.'

Metaphorical Meaning:

To accomplish two aims by a single action.

Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen
To hit two flies with one flyswatter.

German Idiom:

'Zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen.'

Metaphorical Meaning:

To accomplish two aims by a single action.



If too many people participate in a task, they spoil everything .

Viele Köche verderben den Brei
Many cooks spoil the porridge.

German Idiom:

'Viele Köche verderben den Brei.'

Metaphorical Meaning:

If too many people participate in a task, they spoil everything.



A child grows up to be similar to its parents, both in behaviour and in physical characteristics. 

Der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm
The apple does not fall far from the tree.

German idiom:

'Der Apfel fällt nicht weit vom Stamm.'

Metaphorical Meaning:

A child grows up to be similar to its parents, both in behaviour and in physical characteristics.



When an object of discussion unexpectedly becomes present during the conversation

За вълка говорим, а той в кошарата
Speaking of the wolf and he's in the sheep stable.
Wenn man vom Teufel spricht, ist er nicht weit.
Speaking of the devil...

German Idiom

'Wenn man vom Teufel spricht, ist er nicht weit.'

Metaphorical Meaning

An object of discussion unexpectedly becomes present during the conversation.



To be very similar, especially in appearance

sich gleichen, wie ein Ei dem anderen
To be similar like one egg to another.

German Idiom

"Sich gleichen, wie ein Ei dem anderen."

Metaphorical Meaning

To be very similar, especially in appearance.


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