IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englisha Tower of Babel
Meaning: A noisy scene where many people speak different languages, or a confusion of voices.
Example: “The international airport lounge was a Tower of Babel during the strike.”
Origin: From Genesis 11, where people build a tower to reach heaven and God confounds their language so they can no longer understand each other.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Une tour de Babel Literally: A tower of Babel
More English idioms
- long time no see A friendly greeting to someone one has not seen for a long time.
- a Judas kiss An act of apparent friendship that hides betrayal.
- the ball is in your court It is now your turn to act or decide.
- all hands on deck Everyone is needed to help right now.
- a banana republic A small, politically unstable country dominated by a corrupt elite or foreign business.
- pick holes in To find small faults in something, often unfairly.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
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- Sei una forza della natura You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.
- Hai le mani d'oro You're extraordinarily skilled with your hands — a craftsperson, cook, or fixer of legend…
- Sei una persona d'oro You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.
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