Lost in translation: beware of turns of phrase

When I greeted my American colleagues with the cheery question, “Well, are we all full of beans?”, they looked at me blankly.

(It was the morning after a good night out. Yes, I’m that annoying person.)

“Maybe?” said one.

“Is that a good thing… or a bad thing?” said another.

Turned out Americans do not describe being in high spirits as being “full of beans”.

As much as I’m a fan of a bright turn of phrase, it’s no good in sales and marketing content if it confuses or loses your audience.

They might be intrigued and Google it.

But they might bounce off baffled, never to be seen again.

I’m not saying don’t use idioms or slang. But do use them with care.

Cool beans, old bean.