Decide whether an idiom should travel

For the phrase [IDIOM] in [SOURCE LANGUAGE], context [CONTEXT], and [TARGET LANGUAGE], explain its intended meaning before translating. Offer a literal rendering, a possible natural equivalent, and a plain paraphrase; label any uncertain equivalent. Recommend one for this audience and explain the tradeoff. Include a back-translation and a question for a native reviewer. Do not invent a cultural origin or present an unverified idiom as common. Check that the chosen version preserves speaker intent rather than word order.