How Does It Fit?

An idiom is a phrase, where the expected meaning of the individual words is distinct from the meaning of the phrase.  Idioms are often understood only within a specific context, and do not translate well literally.  Idioms tend to reflect much of the culture of the people. 

In English, when someone “fits like a glove”, we mean that he is suited to a position or situation, and his introduction is seamless.  Items and ideas may also “fit like a glove”. 

In Spanish, the equivalent native idiom is “fits like a ring on the finger”, which could be said to reflect the Latin romanticism. 

In Italian, the equivalent native idiom is “fits like a shoe painted on with a brush”, which would harken back to the artistry of the Italian Renaissance. 

And then we have the Slavs.  In Slovak, the equivalent native idiom is “fits like a arse on the toilet”.  It may be apt, but hardly high literature. 

Finally, we have the Finns, where the equivalent native idiom is “fits like a fist in the eye”.  Enough said.  And if the idiom fits …