10 Japanese expressions that sound delightfully strange and funny when translated
A little while ago, we introduced you to the Japanese expression “hana yori dango” (dumplings over flowers), using a picture of one of our capybara friends at the Ueno Zoo as a living example of the phrase. Well, that article got us thinking about Japanese idioms/expressions that may sound strange or funny in a different language when translated literally, and we thought it might be interesting to share a few of them with you. Here are some common phrases that we use in the Japanese language as a matter of course, but could make you laugh if you visualize their literal meaning in your mind. And yes, some of them involve cats!
1. It’s acorns comparing heights: どんぐりの背比べ (donguri no seikurabe)
Why would acorns be comparing sizes? Well, that’s the expression we use to describe a group that is roughly the same in ability or quality, usually not at a high level, and without any standouts. In this case, acorns are used as an example of something that comes mostly in the same sizes and appearances, which makes comparing them somewhat moot. For example, when there’s nothing special among the entries in a writing or photography contest, you might look at the pile of submitted works and say, “Donguri no seikurabe desu ne.” (It’s acorns comparing heights.)
http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/04/18/10-japanese-expressions-that-sound-delightfully-strange-and-funny-when-translated/
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I love idioms. I especially like "a weasel's last fart", "growing calluses in my ears", and "putting on a cat". 
