10 Hilarious Greek Expressions That Make No Sense in English (But We Love Them Anyway)

Greek is full of colorful expressions that will make you laugh, scratch your head, or both. These idioms often sound completely absurd when translated literally, but they capture real-life situations in a way that’s vivid and unforgettable.

Below, I’ve included the literal translation, the actual meaning, and a real-life example for each one so you can impress your Greek friends (or confuse your non-Greek ones).

1. Καλά κρασιά!

Literal Translation: Good wines!

Meaning: Yeah, right! / As if! (used sarcastically)

Example:“You think he’ll actually show up on time? Καλά κρασιά!”

2. Έχω χάσει τ’ αυγά και τα πασχάλια

Literal Translation: I’ve lost the eggs and Easter!

Meaning: I’m completely confused.

Example:"After three hours of Greek grammar, έχω χάσει τ’ αυγά και τα πασχάλια."

3. Τα έκανα σαλάτα!

Literal Translation: I made it a salad!

Meaning: I messed it up.

Example:"I tried to install the app, but τα έκανα σαλάτα and now nothing works."

4. Δεν είναι στα καλά του

Literal Translation: He’s not in his good self.

Meaning: He’s acting crazy.

Example:"He started yelling at the toaster. Δεν είναι στα καλά του!"

5. Άλλα λόγια να αγαπιόμαστε

Literal Translation: Different words so we can love each other.

Meaning: Let’s change the subject.

Example:"Let’s not talk about politics again… Άλλα λόγια να αγαπιόμαστε."

6. Τρέχει και δεν φτάνει

Literal Translation: He runs and doesn’t reach.

Meaning: He’s swamped with things to do.

Example:"Ever since he started his new job, τρέχει και δεν φτάνει!"

7. Μπήκε το νερό στ’ αυλάκι

Literal Translation: The water entered the furrow.

Meaning: Things are finally on track.

Example:"After weeks of chaos, μπήκε το νερό στ’ αυλάκι."

8. Του έδωσε και κατάλαβε

Literal Translation: He gave it to it and it understood.

Meaning: He went all out / He overdid it.

Example:"He didn’t just decorate the house—του έδωσε και κατάλαβε!"

9. Βγάζει λάδι

Literal Translation: It’s producing oil.

Meaning: It never ends / It’s taking forever.

Example:"This project βγάζει λάδι... it’s endless!"

10. Φάγαμε τα μουστάκια μας

Literal Translation: We ate our mustaches.

Meaning: We had a serious fight.

Example:"After that argument about football, φάγαμε τα μουστάκια μας."

So, there you have it — 10 Greek expressions that make no sense in English but are full of flavor, sarcasm, and cultural charm.

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With love from Greece (and a little laughter),

Margarita Papakostas

Founder of Glossomathia | Greek & Latin Teacher | Linguist