Glossary entry (derived from question below)
Portuguese term or phrase:
muita parra e pouca uva
English translation:
more chaff than wheat
Added to glossary by
Edgar Potter
Jan 12, 2006 11:56
18 yrs ago
3 viewers *
Portuguese term
Portugal
Dynamic and determined
Native in: English 
Works in: Portuguese to English, French to English, English, and 1 more.
muita parra e pouca uva
Portuguese to English
Other
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
Can anyone help with an equivalent English idiom for this phrase?
Context as follows: "O ano turístico de 2005 no Algarve foi de *muita parra e pouca uva*, registando-se uma ligeira subida nas taxas de ocupação, mas sem reflexo nos resultados financeiros".
Many thanks
Fiona.
Context as follows: "O ano turístico de 2005 no Algarve foi de *muita parra e pouca uva*, registando-se uma ligeira subida nas taxas de ocupação, mas sem reflexo nos resultados financeiros".
Many thanks
Fiona.
Proposed translations
(English)
Proposed translations
+3
4 hrs
Edgar Potter
United States
United States
Native in English
United States
Specialized in proofreading, editing
Native in: English
Works in: Portuguese to English, English to Portuguese
Related KudoZ points
:
8
Selected
more chaff than wheat
resulted in more chaff than wheat
I don't know that this is has the status of a tradition English-language proverb, but it's a turn of phrase that fits, I think.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 4 hrs 12 mins (2006-01-12 16:09:06 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
correction: traditional...
I don't know that this is has the status of a tradition English-language proverb, but it's a turn of phrase that fits, I think.
--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 4 hrs 12 mins (2006-01-12 16:09:06 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------
correction: traditional...
Peer comment(s):
| agree |
Elizabeth Castaldini
: Sounds like in the same degree of formality as the origin language.
27 mins
|
|
Thanks
|
|
| agree |
Beta Cummins
37 mins
|
|
Thanks
|
|
| agree |
tania nogueira
20 hrs
|
|
thanks
|
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer.
Comment: "I liked this one because, as well as getting the meaning across, it kept the "agricultural" theme of the original. Thank you."
+2
47 mins
Denise DeVries
United States
United States
Native in English
United States
linguaphile
Native in: English 
Works in: Spanish to English, French to English, Italian to English, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
8
our reach exceeded our grasp
little result for a great effort -
I'm still trying to think of a more agricultural expression referring to harvest.
I'm still trying to think of a more agricultural expression referring to harvest.
+1
1 hr
Cristina Pereira
Native in Portuguese
translator + journalist=flawless writing
Native in: Portuguese
Works in: English to Portuguese, French to Portuguese, Portuguese, and 1 more.
Related KudoZ points
:
4
much ado about nothing
Not exactly the same, but just an idea
1 hr
Robert Forstag
United States
United States
Native in English
United States
Translating words, preserving meaning
Native in: English
Works in: Spanish to English, English
Related KudoZ points
:
24
Portuguese term (edited):
foi de muita parra e pouca uva
was a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing
This is along the lines of Cristina's suggestion, but I think it somewhat better captures the intended meaning, and fits into the entire context of what is being said: that the business was pretty good, and there was an increase in *visits* over the previous year, but not a corresponding increase in *income generated* from those visits.
The quote is from Shakespeare's *Macbeth*.
Boa sorte.
The quote is from Shakespeare's *Macbeth*.
Boa sorte.
7 hrs
Susy Ordaz
Native in Portuguese
&
English
Works in field
Excellent Rates and Excellent Service
Native in: English , Portuguese
Works in: Portuguese to English, English to Portuguese
Related KudoZ points
:
8
all throat and no action
all throat and no action
Discussion