Abstract
This article explores the intricate challenges of translating idioms and wordplay, focusing on lexicological aspects that influence meaning transfer. Translators often face difficulties with idiomatic expressions and linguistic humor, as they are deeply rooted in cultural and contextual elements. While general translation strategies have been widely discussed, there is a significant gap in research addressing lexicological approaches to idioms and wordplay. This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing the impact of semantic fields, polysemy, and connotation on translation choices. A qualitative comparative method is used, examining English idioms and puns alongside their Uzbek equivalents. The findings show that preserving the pragmatic and stylistic effects of the original requires more than literal translation; adaptive strategies like substitution, paraphrasing, or cultural adaptation are often necessary. The results underline the importance of contextual awareness and cultural competence, suggesting that translator education should include focused training on lexicology and figurative language. This research offers practical implications for improving the translation of idiomatic and humorous content, contributing valuable insights to both translation studies and lexicology.