British Vs American – Please Can You Translate?

Every language has certain words and expressions that defy simple translation in other languages. So have dialects. English has no satisfactory term for the American Indian giver (someone who takes back a present he has given) or to shoot the breeze (to pass the time in informal chat).
Conversely, you will have to explain to an American what you mean when you talk about being bowled over. Once again, be sure to explain – or avoid – such expressions if they are likely to cause confusion.
A final word. In an informal document (a letter to a friend, say), nobody will mind if you dodge around between British and American usages. But for a longer, more formal one (an official report, for instance),the key rule is: Be consistent. Decide which ‘superdialect’ you are going to use and stick to it.
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