[AlbionGirl]

Idiomatic expressions (an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up) are contextual and make no sense from one language to another but they make perfect sense in their original language.

There are definitely equivalents, though. For instance, in Italian the idiomatic expression
'fra l'incudine e martello' literally means between the hammer and the anvil, which even on it's own would convey what it was intented to convey.

If you were to translate into English, you would most probably use the phrase 'between a rock and a hard place.'

The science and art of translation is found in knowing each language so intimately, that finding the equivalents doesn't often present a problem. And, I think the translators of the Bible were people who did know each language intimately.

[american colleen]

And, I think the translators of the Bible were people who did know each language intimately.

I agree. I use the Douay-Rheims for that reason. It's the interpreters who have problems, not the translators! :-)