Originally Posted by Бармалей
I don't think these are bad translations at all. Rather, I think they're the work of a British author, who's being cute with his wording. Then again, maybe I'm off my rocker.
1. Dobry, as usual, is right here. I think the "cleft chin" part though has to do with the author speaking about a specific character in a story. It's just a way being cute. You know Jay Leno and his chin, right Dobry? I think it's similar in that way; I'd say to you, Dobry, "Jay Leno's show sucked last night -- he was up to his butt-chin in cr@p last night -- his jokes just didn't work." You see what I mean? I think your meaning is accurate, I just think this author is making a character-specific joke.