In Russian there’s an idiom translated loosely as ‘for a mad (crazy) dog, an extra 7 miles isn’t a big deal’ - it means ‘unnecessary effort‘, often used ironically to talk about someone whose silliness makes them put more effort than necessary. E.g. instead of choosing a shorter route a person takes a longer route because they think it’s cheaper (in case of traveling by plane). If any of that makes sense to you, can you recommend any English equivalents?
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1Welcome to English Language & Usage. I'm having difficulty understanding whether this is mad dog speaking idiomatically to the observer or the observer commenting on the mad dog. Could you perhaps put it into a dialogue, and insert where you'd like the phrase? Example: Bill: "I'm saving $100 by traveling from London to Paris through Abu Dhabi" Alex: You're ______ "– rajah9Oct 16, 2020 at 12:42
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Metaphorically, we imply that the ‘dog’ is the person. But the idiom is only used as a whole unit. E.g. Bill: “I‘m saving $100 by traveling from London to Paris through Abu Dhabi.” Alex: “For a crazy dog, an extra 7 miles isn’t a big deal, huh?”– RitaOct 16, 2020 at 13:01
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1Does this answer your question? Word or phrase for a disproportionately strong measure– RobustoOct 16, 2020 at 14:15
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One idiomatic option is "taking the long way around"—which would be especially suitable for your "London to Paris via Abu Dhabi" example.– Sven YargsOct 16, 2020 at 15:51
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Thank you, Sven, I think it conveys the meaning of the original idiom quite well, only irony is lost, but there’s always something lost in translation.– RitaOct 16, 2020 at 22:16
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2 Answers
- Bill: "I'm saving $100 by traveling from London to Paris through Abu Dhabi"
- Alex: "To me, you're taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut."
From TFD
- "To use excessive, overcomplicated, or extravagant means or force to accomplish something relatively minor or simple. If someone uses a sledgehammer to crack a nut, they use methods to solve a problem that are far more extreme than is necessary."
answered Oct 16, 2020 at 14:08
The setup would be:
Bill: “I‘m saving $100 by traveling from London to Paris through Abu Dhabi.”
Let's try a few idioms on for size. His friend might respond:
You like to do it the hard way!
(This is an expression from the dice game of craps, where one must reproduce an earlier roll with an unusual combination. Hearer is neutral to mildly approving on Bill's action.)
You're a glutton for punishment.
(Captures the idea that the person is masochistic. Hearer is neutral to mildly disapproving of Bill's action.)
Are you overcompensating for something?
(From psychologist Alfred Adler. Source. Implies that Bill has a psychological deficit that he must compensate for. Hearer is mildly disapproving.)
