FIXED EXPRESSIONS IN ENGLISH AND THEIR TRANSLATION PROBLEMS

SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 18 FIXED EXPRESSIONS IN ENGLISH AND THEIR TRANSLATION PROBLEMS X. Abduxalilova1, S. Mamasoliyev2 Students of Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages1,2 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17445607 Abstract. This article provides a scientific analysis of fixed expressions in English (idioms, proverbs, collocations) and the challenges they present in the translation process. The relevance of the topic, theoretical foundations, historical development, translation strategies, and cultural aspects are examined. The article highlights the main difficulties in translating fixed expressions and suggests possible solutions, offering practical recommendations for translators. Keywords: fixed expressions, idioms, translation problems, cultural equivalence, phraseology, translation strategies, cultural adaptation. Introduction In the modern world, where globalization and intercultural communication are rapidly expanding, translation has become not only a technical but also a cultural and linguistic challenge. Fixed expressions in English—such as idioms, proverbs, and collocations—remain among the most complex issues faced by translators. These expressions reflect the cultural and historical layers of the language and often lose their meaning or become misunderstood when translated literally, as they are closely tied to cultural context [Baker, 1992]. The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that English, as a global language, is widely used in literature, film, business, and academia. However, difficulties in translating fixed expressions often lead to cultural misunderstandings and communication barriers [Newmark, 1988]. For instance, the idiom “kick the bucket” (meaning “to die”) would sound absurd or meaningless if translated word-for-word into other languages, requiring the translator’s cultural sensitivity. Thus, this topic is significant not only for linguists but also for translators and cultural scholars, as accurate translation strengthens intercultural communication. The aim of this paper is to analyze English fixed expressions and their translation challenges from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The objectives are: (1) to define and classify fixed expressions; (2) to review translation theories and strategies; (3) to analyze cultural and linguistic challenges; and (4) to suggest practical solutions through examples. The object of the study is English fixed expressions, while the subject is the difficulties and solutions in their translation into other languages, particularly Uzbek. This approach allows for a logical and comprehensive exploration of the topic, offering valuable insights for translators and linguists. The article is based on modern scientific sources and global research experience, emphasizing that translation problems are rooted not only in linguistic but also in cultural differences. Main part The theoretical basis for the study of English fixed expressions draws on translation theory and phraseology. Phraseology, which studies stable combinations of words, includes idioms (nonliteral expressions), proverbs, and collocations [Cowie, 1981]. These expressions represent semantic and pragmatic aspects of the language. For instance, idioms convey metaphorical meanings different from their literal sense. According to Mona Baker’s In Other Words (1992), SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 19 the main challenge in translating fixed expressions lies in the absence of cultural equivalence, as idioms are context-bound and often lack direct counterparts in other languages. Peter Newmark (1988) proposed several translation strategies—literal translation, paraphrasing, finding an equivalent, and providing explanations. These approaches serve as essential tools for translators since fixed expressions reflect the unique cultural identity of a language and therefore require cultural adaptation [Baker, 1992]. Meziane (2012) also connects translation difficulties with the need for paraphrasing and cultural equivalence as preferred strategies. Historically, English fixed expressions trace back to early periods. Many idioms originated in Shakespeare’s works (e.g., “break the ice”), reflecting aspects of English seafaring and agricultural culture [Ammer, 1997]. During the 17th–19th centuries, due to colonial expansion, English adopted expressions from Latin, French, and Indian languages—such as “carte blanche” (French) and “juggernaut” (Hindi). These borrowings enriched English but also increased translation challenges due to their diverse cultural origins [Ammer, 1997]. In the 20th century, translation theory developed further. Nida and Taber (1969) introduced meaning-based translation, focusing on functional equivalence as a key strategy for rendering fixed expressions. In the contemporary era, globalization has intensified the use of fixed expressions in media and communication, increasing the demand for culturally sensitive translation [Gottlieb, 1992]. For example, subtitling idioms in films requires adaptation to the target culture; otherwise, the viewer may misunderstand the meaning [Gottlieb, 1992]. Currently, English serves as an international language in business, education, and literature. Fixed expressions enrich intercultural communication, yet they pose several translation problems: 1. Cultural differences – e.g., “raining cats and dogs” (heavy rain) has no direct equivalent in Uzbek, where an adapted form “seldek yomg‘ir” (“rain like a flood”) is used. 2. Linguistic non-equivalence – idiomatic or collocational differences, e.g., “piece of cake” → “an easy task,” or “strong tea” → “qattiq choy.” 3. Contextual dependence – the meaning of idioms varies with context, posing problems especially in subtitling [Larson, 1984]. Adelnia and Dastjerdi (2011) emphasize the importance of the translator’s cultural competence in addressing these challenges. The main strategies to solve them include:  Finding cultural equivalents (e.g., “spill the beans” → “to reveal a secret,” Uzbek: “sirni fosh qilmoq”);  Paraphrasing (explaining the meaning, e.g., “kick the bucket” → “passed away”);  Adding explanations (using footnotes or parentheses in literary translation);  Cultural adaptation (replacing with a local equivalent, e.g., “it’s Greek to me” → “bu menga arabcha”). Strakšienė (2009) supports cultural adaptation as an effective strategy in translating English idioms into Lithuanian. Comparing researchers’ views, Baker (1992) emphasizes cultural equivalence, while Newmark (1988) advocates a functional approach based on meaning. Gottlieb (1992) recommends reduction in subtitling, whereas Larson (1984) favors meaning-based translation that considers cultural differences. Meziane (2012) and Adelnia & Dastjerdi (2011) provide empirical evidence for these strategies, showing that there is no universal solution—each case requires an individual, culturally informed approach. Analysis SCIENCE AND INNOVATION INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL VOLUME 4 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2025 ISSN: 2181-3337 | SCIENTISTS.UZ 20 In this analysis, English fixed expressions are examined through practical examples, as the topic is not only theoretical but also highly applicable. For instance, the idiom “kick the bucket” (to die) literally means “to kick a bucket,” which is nonsensical in Uzbek. The correct translation would be “jon taslim qilmoq” or “to‘qsonni qaramoq” (to pass away), since the idiom has historical roots in English folk culture [Meziane, 2012]. Another example is “piece of cake” (something easy), which can be paraphrased as “oson ish” in Uzbek or creatively adapted as “nondek oson.” Idioms in English often originate from the Bible, Shakespeare, or sports, such as “the ball is in your court” (it’s your turn), derived from tennis. In Uzbek, this might be rendered “to‘p siz tomonda,” but the metaphor may not resonate due to differing cultural associations [Strakšienė, 2009]. Socially, fixed expressions mirror a society’s values. English emphasizes individualism— e.g., “pull yourself up by your bootstraps”—while Uzbek favors collectivism—e.g., “birlikda kuch.” Literal translation often causes cultural ambiguity. For example, “it’s raining cats and dogs” should be adapted as “seldek yomg‘ir yog‘moqda” rather than translated literally, as the animal imagery may confuse Uzbek readers [Adelnia & Dastjerdi, 2011]. In literary translation, such as in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, the idiom “butterflies in the stomach” (nervous excitement) is sometimes translated literally as “ichimdagi kapalaklar,” but a more culturally appropriate version would be “hayajondan yuragim hapriydi.” In subtitling, idioms are often shortened for simplicity (e.g., “break a leg” → “good luck”), though this may lead to loss of meaning [Gottlieb, 1992]. In the Uzbek context, idioms often relate to nature and family (e.g., “qulog‘ini buramoq” — “to warn someone”), whereas English idioms may derive from technology or sports (e.g., “hit the nail on the head” — “mixni boshiga urmoq”). This comparison highlights that successful translation requires cultural awareness. While AI-based tools like Google Translate assist with literal meaning, they still lack human cultural intuition [Meziane, 2012]. Therefore, human translators remain essential in preserving cultural nuance. Conclusion In conclusion, the main challenge in translating English fixed expressions lies in cultural and linguistic non-equivalence. Strategies such as cultural equivalence, paraphrasing, and adaptation are vital to overcome these difficulties. The topic continues to gain importance as accurate translation is crucial for successful global communication. Recommendations:  Translators should strengthen their cultural competence.  Phraseology courses should be integrated into translation training programs.  AI tools can support the translation process but should always be supervised by humans to maintain cultural accuracy. In the future, artificial intelligence may assist more effectively with translation, yet it can never replace human understanding of cultural subtleties. REFERENCES 1. Baker, M. (1992). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge. 2. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall. 3. Cowie, A. P. 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