Teffi "kanun da ladan"

[Robert Chandler]

Dear all,

This is spring 1919 and the Whites are leaving Odessa.  There is concern about whether this particular steamer is ever going to get underway.  One of Teffi’s fellow passengers is despairing.

—   Пропадать будем, — тихо пробормотал кто-то около меня. — Если не найдут буксира, чтобы увел нас на рейд, крышка нам. Канун да ладан.
“We’re done for,” murmured someone beside me.  "If they can’t find a tug to pull us out into the bay, we’ve had it.  It’ll be the end of us. ???????????"

I understand the meaning of “kanun da ladan”.  That other people will be coming to their funeral, eating ritual food and spreading incense around.  But I cannot think what on earth to do with this phrase in English.

In reality, of course, if the ship hadn’t got underway, they would have been very lucky indeed to get  proper funeral.

Any thoughts anyone?!

All the best,

Robert

Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD

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