Here is a metaphor-filled sentence from a recent magazine describing the current situation in the Thai parliament.

กลิ่นอายของแนวโน้มในการยุบสภาจึงเริ่มโชยมาอย่างเจือจาง

The olfactory metaphor is carried by the following words:

กลิ่นอาย [N] smell; odor; scent

โชย = ระชวย [V] blow gently but steadily; blow softly, blow gently

เจือจาง [ADJ] diluted; thin

(all from Lexitron)

How might we render this sentence into English, trying to preserve the Thai sense? Here is one suggestion:

"The trend toward parliamentary dissolution is beginning to waft through [the political atmosphere.]"

Any thoughts?

I love the smell of Bangkok.

Here is a metaphor-filled sentence from a recent magazine describing the current situation in the Thai parliament.

กลิ่นอายของแนวโน้มในการยุบสภาจึงเริ่มโชยมาอย่างเจือจาง

The olfactory metaphor is carried by the following words:

กลิ่นอาย [N] smell; odor; scent

โชย = ระชวย [V] blow gently but steadily; blow softly, blow gently

เจือจาง [ADJ] diluted; thin

(all from Lexitron)

How might we render this sentence into English, trying to preserve the Thai sense? Here is one suggestion:

"The trend toward parliamentary dissolution is beginning to waft through [the political atmosphere.]"

Any thoughts?

Interesting David, I notice you omitted the translation of กลิ่นอาย a Thai friend told me it has no literal meaning, only used in metaphors, the problem is you then use 'waft', can that really go with 'trend'?

Perhaps omit 'trend' ie, The faint scent, (or odour, depending on your political persuasion) of parliamentary dissolution is beginning to waft through the corridors of power.

If we omit the reference to smell- The trend towards parliamentary dissolution is beginning to take shape