How would the idiom "Train Wreck" be translated into French and maintain its meaning?

Asked by majorrich (14741

) September 2nd, 2015

I realize idioms rarely directly translate into other languages. Is there a French idiom or slang phrase used to describe a catastrophic failure of an endeavor or event. Train Wreck, Cluster F@@k, Circle J@@k, Snafu. are the American English idioms I immediately come up with. Other Language equivalents are also appreciated. I’ve been working on a committee that has had so many derailments that I am looking for more creative ways to describe the ‘train wreckiness’ of the situation.

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6 Answers

Still kinda looking for someone fluent in other languages than English. We had another meeting today that could have been an email. I’m just glad I’m not in charge.

majorrich (14741

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In German, I like:

Trauerspiel

Fiasko

Super-GAU

longgone (19764

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I use a language forum sometimes so went there and searched for train wreck
The three suggestions were:
“Un désastre imminent”
“Une catastrophe imminente”
“un désastre total”

Stinley (11525

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I can’t read French, but all I see are the words “imminent disaster,” “imminent catastrophe,” and “total disaster.” No idiom there. Besides, “Train Wreck,” the way we use it, usually refers to something that has already happened.

Dutchess_III (47068

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In this case it is in the process of wrecking. le catastrophe. Se Cirque masturber?

majorrich (14741

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