Practice not being too literal # 20

Question

As my title says, I am trying to learn to not be literal in translations, so every day I will post a saying in English and ask for suggestions as to how to convey the thought in Spanish. At the end of the day, I will pick the answer that I think most accurately reflects the idea, and I will choose it as best answer for 20 points to the respondent.

Today's phrase is, "If it's not the hogs, it's the windmill."

Good luck.

OK, never heard this one. Is this some reference to "Animal Farm"? - Noetol, Jul 12, 2012

I've never heard it either. I can't remember a windmill in Animal Farm, but I may be wrong. - annierats, Jul 12, 2012

Put the phrase in google and see what you get. - Noetol, Jul 12, 2012

Basically it means that something is going to mess up one way or the other. - kdrinning, Jul 12, 2012

Noetol, you're right, Animal Farm has awindmill. I read it about 100 years ago and had forgotten. Still reads well, amazing. - annierats, Jul 12, 2012

I think I need an English-Texican dictionary! :)) - Noetol, Jul 12, 2012

Another new phrase I'm learning :D. Thanks kdrinning. - Juliss, Jul 12, 2012

Answer 1

Según Rosanna Danna del programma comedia, sábado noche en directo; " Es siempre algo." According to Rosanna Danna of the comedy program,"Saturday Night Live" -"It's always something."

Great! !Exactamente! - kdrinning, Jul 12, 2012

¡Muchas Gracias, estos juegos son tan divertido y motivador para mi! - louise365, Jul 13, 2012

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/hl-4959441/saturday_night_live_roseanne_rosannadanna_on_smoking_season_4/ - sagiia, Jul 16, 2012

I just had to add a link for a Rosanne Rosannadanna skit. "It just goes to show you. It's always something. If it's not one thing it's another. If it's not cigarettes, you got a sweat ball hanging off your nose" - sagiia, Jul 16, 2012

Answer 2

si no son los arbitros, son los penales.

si no son los del norte, son los del sur.

Good one. - annierats, Jul 12, 2012

Answer 3

Si no es una cosa, es otra. If it's not one problem it's another.

¡Si nos son los del este son los del oeste! (Thanks to Juancho)

Speaking as a Swede, all ourr troubles came from the east, there is nobody north of us to trouble us..

Answer 4

No estoy seguro sobre el sentido de esta frase, pero me parece que la sigifica algo como "Hay muchas cosas malas que están pasando".

Answer 5

Los problemas o las dificultades pueden venir de cualquier lugar, cosa o persona.

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Problems and complications could come from anywhere, anything and anybody.

Answer 6

"si no es tú es yo"

"if its not you its me" (por favor correcto si incorrecto)

Answer 7

Necisito un chivo expiatorio! I need a scapegoat!

Answer 8

Si no es lo uno, es lo otro, pero siempre tiene que pasar algo. =/