Aphorism #2

Question

"El saltamonte es una espiga escapada que ha comenzado a dar brincos descomedidos." Please help translate.

Answer 1

ok donrono, please bear in mind that I am just a beginner but here is my best effort.

A locust is a menace that has escaped (its home) and is beginning to spread uncontrollably.

Am I even close?

That's what I'd have guessed. - BradyLabuda, Aug 23, 2012

That makes me feel better Brady :-) Thanks. - 0095ca4c, Aug 23, 2012

Good, I think too. - annierats, Aug 24, 2012

Answer 2

I have "The locust is a thorn that has escaped and commenced to jump uncontrollably. "

I'm sorryk I think you are trying to translate this much too literally. - 0095ca4c, Aug 28, 2012

Maybe the first translation I did should be the one. - donrono, Aug 28, 2012

Answer 3

I'd say: "The grasshopper is a loose stalk that has started to hop uncontrollably."

That sound good also although I think a locust would more likely resemble an ear of corn or a stalk by its very appearance. - donrono, Aug 24, 2012

I think the spikey part is a euphamism for something like a thorny or prickly pest. I don't think it has anything to do with what the pest looks like. - 0095ca4c, Aug 28, 2012

Answer 4

The author specifically stated espiga instead of especie, you have to remember that the author was trying to be both poetic and humorous intead of being literal in his observations.

Answer 5

I wonder if espiga shouldnt beespecie`? And then translated as: The grasshopper is a species that has escaped....like Margherite said. To me her translation makes the most sense.

Answer 6

I've decided to correct my last translation. 'The locust is a thorn that has escaped and commences to jump uncontrollably."