LOST IN TRANSLATION

Idioms from around the world that have us scratching our heads. This month, it’s an old Portuguese expression

Phrase: Pagar o pato

Literally: To pay the duck

Meaning: To take the blame for something you didn’t do Origin: Supposedly inspired by an old Portuguese game, which involved tying a duck to a tree while participants on horseback attempted to cut the ropes with a single blow of an axe. The loser had to buy the duck and present it to the winner.