I seek to translate the Russian expression 'требовать продолжения банкета' which could be literally translated as "demand the continuation of a banquet". 'Banquet' in the phrase stands for some fun, enjoyable (albeit harmful or irresponsible, perhaps) activity so it means to seek to keep that sort of activity going on, even when it's wiser to cut it out. In English, can I say, instead, "demand the party to go on"? I know there's an expression 'the party is over' where 'party' means something similar to what 'banquet' means in the Russian expression. So, I suppose, you can turn it around to convey what I want to convey, can't you? Would it be idiomatic? If not, what would you recommend instead?
asked Jun 1, 2020 at 16:31
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There are probably lots of "idiomatic" alternatives. Don't stop the carnival! comes to mind.– FumbleFingersJun 1, 2020 at 16:49
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Quit raining on our parade! Don't be a party-pooper! Depending on context.– FumbleFingersJun 1, 2020 at 16:52
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Keep the party alive. Party on! Party like there's no tomorrow!– Jack O'FlahertyJun 1, 2020 at 16:56
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Party hardy! (using "hardy" as an adverb).– Jack O'FlahertyJun 1, 2020 at 18:51
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1 Answer
The comments section is a bit surprising because it's offering various alternatives to your original proposal.
"keep the party going"
The phrase has a million hits on Google and forty eight million hits on Bing. It's certainly idiomatic, if by that we mean "commonplace" and "well understood".
Can it be used in a figurative way
Sure. Even if it's not a literal banquet, you could say it.
Is this a good translation for "demand the continuation of a banquet"?
Without being fluent in Russian, I cannot say for sure...
"keep the party going" sounds light-hearted, fun, and brings to mind a "party". You probably wouldn't say demand or require in English. Those are harsh/strict types of words. If требовать also means "to call for, to want, to desire, to need", as dictionaries indicate, those could fit better.
