How would you typically translate до поры до времени, and how is it different from a less idiomatic phrase like в данное время?
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"For the time being " is the closest meaning. as well as "now" for the second phrase.– V.V.Feb 19 '18 at 12:30
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3I'd interpret the literal meaning of the phrase as 'until the time comes for it to change'.– Alex_anderFeb 20 '18 at 5:53
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до поры до времени - for the time being; temporarily
в данное время - at this/present moment; presently; currently
The 1st adverb underscores transient nature of an event or a state, the 2nd one is neutral in this respect, just describing the current state, which may or may not be bound to change.
answered Feb 18 '18 at 22:31
Here's a few translations loosely based on these reverso examples:
Роллинг с его́ миллиа́рдами ну́жен мне до поры́ до вре́мени.
I need Rolling and his billions only for so long.И всё бы́ло хорошо́... до поры́ до вре́мени.
And it worked... for a while.Все они таки́е, до поры́ до вре́мени.
They all are, until they aren't anymore.
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I'm familiar with Reverso; Ive seen all of those. It's not a great help for getting into the nuances, though.– spokoFeb 18 '18 at 23:35
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That's why I translated the above examples myself or at least validated Reverso translations. Feb 19 '18 at 0:07
...and how is it different from a less idiomatic phrase like в данное время?
This idiom emphasizes that the situation cannot continue indefinitely. And the finale can have critical consequences.
Роллинг с его миллиардами нужен мне до поры до времени
At some point, I will not need Rolling and the fate of Rolling will be tragical
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That's really interesting. So there's an element of suspense built into this phrase? That makes sense, because it is so often translated with an ellipsis ahead of it.– spokoFeb 19 '18 at 14:48
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@spoko this depends on the context, you legitimately can say Я здесь работаю до поры до времени. Как только я найду что-нибудь получше, меня отсюда как ветром сдует - I only work here for the time being. As soon as I find a better job I will be gone. which of course is no tragic consequence either for the employer or the speaker Feb 19 '18 at 16:28
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Понятно, спасибо. Also thanks for the phrase как ветром сдует—hadn't seen that one before.– spokoFeb 19 '18 at 16:38
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