T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

it’s all greek to me

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) it is hard to understand

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

This expression ’its all greek to me’, is used to say that something is hard to understand.

French translation

c’est du chinois pour moi

How NOT to translate : *c’est tout en grec pour moi

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Examples in context

‘Arabic ? It’s all greek to me’ says Prince Charles on latest leg of his Middle East tour.

The Prince of Wales has been having lessons in Arabic. But on a visit to Doha, in Qatar, he told guests that the language, which he has been learning for six months, “goes in one ear and out the other”. Charles was attending the launch of the Qatar-UK Alumni Network, for Qataris who have attended British universities, when he told guests : “You all speak such good English.”

The Independent, 13th March 2013

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‘Natural yogurt :It’s not all greek to me.

In less than 10 years the US company Chobani has persuaded Americans to love what we Brits have loved for years and consume by the bucketload : thick, creamy, "Greek" yogurt. The difference is that in America, unlike in Britain, it is called just "Greek" – no "style" – even though it’s produced in New Berlin, New York by traditional processes.
Chobani’s founder, Hamdi Ulukaya, was originally from Turkey and living in America. He saw a gap in the American market and, using a loan from the Small Business Administration, set up Chobani in 2005 to make the sort of yogurt he used to eat in Turkey – strained and the whey removed to produce a smooth and mild flavour. At that time in America you could buy yogurt made by Fage, the Athens-based firm that makes the Total brand, in speciality stores. But that was about it, and it accounted for only one per cent of the market. Chobani’s success has transformed American yogurt-eating habits.

The Telegraph, 31st July 2014

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Everyday usage

I’ve tried reading the manual but it’s all greek to me.

I got lost on the way to Canterbury. I tried following your directions but it’s all greek to me.

b) it is easy to listen to

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) I don’t believe it

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


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