40 Essential Czech Idioms to Master
Level up your fluency. Explore the top 40 common idioms in Czech, complete with literal translations, real-life conversation examples, and audio playback.
Kápat božskou
Pronunciation: [kaːpat boʃskou̯]
Literal Translation:"To drip the divine"
Meaning:To confess the truth or tell everything honestly.
Nakonec Kápal božskou a přiznal se k chybě.
In the end he came clean and admitted his mistake.
Být v balíku
Pronunciation: [biːt v baliːku]
Literal Translation:"To be in a package"
Meaning:To be loaded with money; rolling in dough.
Po prodeji firmy je teď v balíku.
After selling the company he is rolling in dough.
Mít máslo na hlavě
Pronunciation: [miːt maːslo na hlavjɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have butter on one's head"
Meaning:To have a guilty conscience or dark secrets of one's own.
Nekritizuj ostatní, když máš sám máslo na hlavě.
Don't criticize others when you have skeletons in your own closet.
Koupit zajíce v pytli
Pronunciation: [kou̯pɪt zajiːt͡sɛ v pɪtlɪ]
Literal Translation:"To buy a hare in a sack"
Meaning:To buy something without inspecting it first.
Auto z bazaru neber bez prohlídky, ať nekoupíš zajíce v pytli.
Don't buy a used car without an inspection; don't buy a pig in a poke.
Házet hrách na zeď
Pronunciation: [haːzɛt hraːx na zɛt͡s]
Literal Translation:"To throw peas at a wall"
Meaning:To talk to someone who completely ignores advice.
Vysvětlovat mu to je jako házet hrách na zeď.
Explaining it to him is like talking to a brick wall.
Mít pré
Pronunciation: [miːt prɛː]
Literal Translation:"To have free play"
Meaning:To have free rein or be unsupervised.
Když učitel odešel, žáci měli pré.
When the teacher left, the students had free rein.
Vzít nohy na ramena
Pronunciation: [vziːt nohɪ na ramɛna]
Literal Translation:"To take feet onto shoulders"
Meaning:To run away as fast as possible.
Jakmile uviděl psa, vzal nohy na ramena.
As soon as he saw the dog, he took to his heels.
Tahat někoho za nos
Pronunciation: [tahat ɲɛkoho za nos]
Literal Translation:"To pull someone by the nose"
Meaning:To deceive or mislead someone continuously.
Sliboval pomoc, ale jen nás tahal za nos.
He promised help, but he was just pulling our leg.
Mít hluboko do kapsy
Pronunciation: [miːt hluboko do kapsɪ]
Literal Translation:"To have deep into one's pocket"
Meaning:To be broke or tight on money.
Před výplatou mám vždycky hluboko do kapsy.
Before payday I am always short of money.
Držet někomu palce
Pronunciation: [dr̝̊ɛt ɲɛkomu palt͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To hold thumbs for someone"
Meaning:To cross one's fingers for someone.
Zítra dělám zkoušku, drž mi palce!
I take the exam tomorrow; keep your fingers crossed for me!
Spadnout z višně
Pronunciation: [spadnou̯t z vɪʃɲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To fall from a sour cherry tree"
Meaning:To be completely out of touch with reality.
Ty sis myslel, že to bude zadarmo? Spadl ses z višně?
Did you think it would be free? Have you lost your mind?
Být v úzkých
Pronunciation: [biːt v uːskiːx]
Literal Translation:"To be in narrows"
Meaning:To be in a tight spot or severe dilemma.
Když ztratil klíče i doklady, byl v úzkých.
When he lost his keys and documents, he was in a tight corner.
Mít plné zuby něčeho
Pronunciation: [miːt plnɛː zubɪ ɲɛt͡ʃɛho]
Literal Translation:"To have one's teeth full of something"
Meaning:To be sick and tired of something.
Už mám té jeho neustálé kritiky plné zuby.
I am sick and tired of his constant criticism.
Vzít si něco do hlavy
Pronunciation: [vziːt sɪ ɲɛt͡so do hlavɪ]
Literal Translation:"To take something into one's head"
Meaning:To set one's mind firmly on doing something.
Vzal si do hlavy, že procestuje svět.
He set his mind firmly on traveling the world.
Mít štěstí v neštěstí
Pronunciation: [miːt ʃtʲɛstʲiː v ɲɛʃtʲɛstʲiː]
Literal Translation:"To have luck in bad luck"
Meaning:A blessing in disguise.
Naboural auto, ale nic se mu nestalo – měl štěstí v neštěstí.
He crashed the car but wasn't hurt; it was a blessing in disguise.
Dát někomu košem
Pronunciation: [daːt ɲɛkomu koʃɛm]
Literal Translation:"To give someone with a basket"
Meaning:To reject or turn down someone's proposal.
Pozval ji na rande, ale dala mu košem.
He asked her out on a date, but she turned him down.
Mít oči na šťopkách
Pronunciation: [miːt ot͡ʃɪ na ʃtʲopkaːx]
Literal Translation:"To have eyes on stalks"
Meaning:To keep one's eyes wide open and stay alert.
V temném lese měl oči na šťopkách.
In the dark forest he kept his eyes peeled.
Kousnout do kyselého jablka
Pronunciation: [kou̯snou̯t do kɪsɛlɛːho jablka]
Literal Translation:"To bite into a sour apple"
Meaning:To bite the bullet and tackle an unpleasant duty.
Musel kousnout do kyselého jablka a omluvit se.
He had to bite the bullet and apologize.
Mít hroší kůži
Pronunciation: [miːt hroʃiː kuːʒɪ]
Literal Translation:"To have rhino/hippo skin"
Meaning:To be thick-skinned and impervious to criticism.
Politik musí mít hroší kůži.
A politician needs to be thick-skinned.
Lít olej do ohně
Pronunciation: [liːt olɛj do ohɲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To pour oil into the fire"
Meaning:To add fuel to the fire.
Jeho provocativní poznámka jen přilila olej do ohně.
His provocative remark added fuel to the fire.
Ztratit hlavu
Pronunciation: [ztratɪt hlavu]
Literal Translation:"To lose one's head"
Meaning:To lose self-control or panic in a crisis.
Při požáru neztratil hlavu a zavolal hasiče.
During the fire he didn't panic and called the firefighters.
Nechat někoho ve štychu
Pronunciation: [nɛxat ɲɛkoho vɛ ʃtɪxu]
Literal Translation:"To leave someone in the lurch"
Meaning:To abandon someone in a difficult situation.
Pravý přítel tě nikdy nenechá ve štychu.
A true friend will never leave you in the lurch.
Mít svázané ruce
Pronunciation: [miːt svaːzanɛː rut͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have bound hands"
Meaning:To have one's hands tied by rules or limits.
Rád bych ti pomohl, ale mám svázané ruce.
I would love to help you, but my hands are tied.
Půjčit si na věčné časy
Pronunciation: [puːjt͡ʃɪt sɪ na vjɛt͡ʃnɛː t͡ʃasɪ]
Literal Translation:"To borrow for eternal times"
Meaning:To borrow something and never return it.
Knihu si půjčil na věčné časy.
He borrowed the book and never returned it.
Být jednou nohou v hrobě
Pronunciation: [biːt jɛdnou̯ nohou̯ v hrobjɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be with one foot in the grave"
Meaning:To be near death or in mortal danger.
V té staré nemocnici byl jednou nohou v hrobě.
In that old hospital he had one foot in the grave.
Chodit kolem horké kaše
Pronunciation: [xodɪt kolɛm horkɛː kaʃɛ]
Literal Translation:"To walk around hot porridge"
Meaning:To beat around the bush.
Nechoď kolem horké kaše a řekni mi pravdu.
Don't beat around the bush; tell me the truth.
Mít brouka v hlavě
Pronunciation: [miːt brou̯ka v hlavjɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have a beetle in one's head"
Meaning:To be preoccupied with a persistent worry or idea.
Ta nabídka práce mi nasadila brouka do hlavy.
That job offer gave me something to think about.
Vypálit někomu rybník
Pronunciation: [vɪpaːlɪt ɲɛkomu rɪbɲiːk]
Literal Translation:"To drain someone's pond"
Meaning:To steal someone's thunder or outsmart a rival.
Rivalovi vypálil rybník tím, že podal lepší nabídku.
He stole a march on his rival by making a better offer.
Stát nohama na zemi
Pronunciation: [staːt nohama na zɛmɪ]
Literal Translation:"To stand with feet on the ground"
Meaning:To be down-to-earth and realistic.
Je to praktický člověk, který stojí nohama na zemi.
He is a practical man who keeps his feet firmly on the ground.
Mít z ostudy kabát
Pronunciation: [miːt z ostudɪ kabaːt]
Literal Translation:"To have a coat made of shame"
Meaning:To be thoroughly disgraced or embarrassed publicly.
Po tom skandálu měl z ostudy kabát.
After that scandal he was publicly humiliated.
Udělal z komára velblouda
Pronunciation: [udʲɛlal z komaːra vɛlblou̯da]
Literal Translation:"He made a camel out of a mosquito"
Meaning:He made a mountain out of a molehill.
Z malé chyby udělal z komára velblouda.
Over a small mistake he made a mountain out of a molehill.
Být v jednom kole
Pronunciation: [biːt v jɛdnom kolɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be in one wheel"
Meaning:To be constantly busy and running around.
Od rána jsem v jednom kole a neměl jsem čas na oběd.
I've been on the go all day and had no time for lunch.
Padnout někomu do oka
Pronunciation: [padnou̯t ɲɛkomu do oka]
Literal Translation:"To fall into someone's eye"
Meaning:To catch someone's eye; take a liking to.
Ten nový byt mi hned padl do oka.
That new apartment immediately caught my eye.
Kápnout na úrodnou půdu
Pronunciation: [kaːpnou̯t na uːrodnou̯ puːdu]
Literal Translation:"To drop on fertile soil"
Meaning:For an idea or advice to be warmly accepted.
Jeho návrh kápl na úrodnou půdu.
His proposal fell on fertile ground.
Být pod papučem
Pronunciation: [biːt pod paput͡ʃɛm]
Literal Translation:"To be under the slipper"
Meaning:To be henpecked by one's spouse.
Je pod papučem a bez manželky nikam nesmí.
He is henpecked and can't go anywhere without his wife.
Zlaté české ručičky
Pronunciation: [zlatɛː t͡ʃɛskɛː rut͡ʃɪt͡ʃkɪ]
Literal Translation:"Golden Czech little hands"
Meaning:Praising Czech craftsmanship and resourcefulness.
Opravil to za dvě minuty – zlaté české ručičky!
He fixed it in two minutes – golden Czech hands!
Trefit hřebíček na hlavičku
Pronunciation: [trɛfɪt hr̝ɛbiːt͡ʃɛk na hlavɪt͡ʃku]
Literal Translation:"To hit the little nail on the head"
Meaning:To hit the nail on the head.
Tímto argumentem jsi trefil hřebíček na hlavičku.
With this argument you hit the nail right on the head.
Mít sedm životů jako kočka
Pronunciation: [miːt sɛdm ʒɪvotuː jako kot͡ʃka]
Literal Translation:"To have seven lives like a cat"
Meaning:To survive many dangerous situations.
Přežil dvě nehody, má sedm životů jako kočka.
He survived two accidents; he has nine lives like a cat.
Vzít spravedlnost do vlastních rukou
Pronunciation: [vziːt spravɛdlnost do vlastɲiːx rukou̯]
Literal Translation:"To take justice into own hands"
Meaning:To take the law into one's own hands.
Místo volání policie vzal spravedlnost do vlastních rukou.
Instead of calling police he took the law into his own hands.
Tahats za kratší konec provazu
Pronunciation: [tahat za kratʃiː konɛt͡s provazu]
Literal Translation:"To pull at the shorter end of the rope"
Meaning:To be at a severe disadvantage.
V tomto sporu taháme za kratší konec provazu.
In this dispute we are pulling the short straw.
Mít štěstí jako prase
Pronunciation: [miːt ʃtʲɛstʲiː jako prasɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have luck like a pig"
Meaning:To have incredible stroke of luck.
Vyhrál první cenu, měl štěstí jako prase.
He won first prize; he had incredible luck.
Pověsit něco na hřebík
Pronunciation: [povjɛsɪt ɲɛt͡so na hr̝ɛbiːk]
Literal Translation:"To hang something on a nail"
Meaning:To retire from a sport or profession.
Po pětatřicítce pověsil kopačky na hřebík.
After thirty-five he hung up his boots.
Nemít ani floka
Pronunciation: [nɛmiːt anɪ floka]
Literal Translation:"Not to have even a farthing"
Meaning:To be completely penniless.
Po dovolené nemám ani floka.
After the vacation I don't have a single penny.
Mít vítr z někoho
Pronunciation: [miːt viːtr̩ z ɲɛkoho]
Literal Translation:"To have wind from someone"
Meaning:To be intimidated or scared of someone.
Všichni zaměstnanci mají z nového šéfa vítr.
All employees are scared of the new boss.
Dát někomu zelenou
Pronunciation: [daːt ɲɛkomu zɛlenou̯]
Literal Translation:"To give someone green"
Meaning:To give someone the green light.
Vedení dalo nášmu projektu zelenou.
Management gave our project the green light.
Rozlousknout tvrdý oříšek
Pronunciation: [rozlousknou̯t tvr̩diː or̝iːʃɛk]
Literal Translation:"To crack a hard nut"
Meaning:To solve a difficult complex problem.
Tato matematická úloha byla tvrdý oříšek.
This math problem was a tough nut to crack.
Být v nejlepších letech
Pronunciation: [biːt v ɲɛjlɛpʃiːx lɛtɛx]
Literal Translation:"To be in best years"
Meaning:To be in the prime of life.
Je mu čtyřicet a je v nejlepších letech.
He is forty and in the prime of his life.
Přilít olej do ohně
Pronunciation: [pr̝̊ɪliːt olɛj do ohɲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To pour oil into fire"
Meaning:To inflame a bad situation.
Jeho slova jen přilila olej do ohně.
His words only added fuel to the fire.
Mít nebe na zemi
Pronunciation: [miːt ɲɛbɛ na zɛmɪ]
Literal Translation:"To have heaven on earth"
Meaning:To enjoy absolute bliss and happiness.
Na chate v horách měl nebe na zemi.
At the mountain cottage he enjoyed heaven on earth.
Téct někomu do bot
Pronunciation: [tɛːt͡st ɲɛkomu do bot]
Literal Translation:"Water flowing into one's boots"
Meaning:To be in urgent financial or personal trouble.
Když mu teklo do bot, požádal bratry o pomoc.
When he was in deep trouble, he asked his brothers for help.
Zametata před vlastním prahem
Pronunciation: [zamɛtat pr̝̊ɛd vlastɲiːm prahɛm]
Literal Translation:"To sweep before one's own threshold"
Meaning:Clean your own doorstep before criticizing others.
Každý by měl nejdřív zametat před vlastním prahem.
Everyone should sweep before their own door first.
Koupit za babku
Pronunciation: [kou̯pɪt za babku]
Literal Translation:"To buy for an old woman"
Meaning:To buy something for dirt cheap.
Ten starý stůl koupil na trhu za babku.
He bought that old table at the market for peanuts.
Být samé ucho
Pronunciation: [biːt samɛː uxo]
Literal Translation:"To be all ear"
Meaning:To be all ears; listening attentively.
Vyprávěj, jsem samé ucho!
Tell me, I am all ears!
Mít zlé svědomí
Pronunciation: [miːt zlɛː svjɛdomiː]
Literal Translation:"To have bad conscience"
Meaning:To suffer from a guilty conscience.
Kvůli lži měl celý den zlé svědomí.
Because of the lie he suffered a guilty conscience all day.
Dostat košem
Pronunciation: [dostat koʃɛm]
Literal Translation:"To get with a basket"
Meaning:To get dumped or turned down in love.
Bál se, že dostane košem.
He was afraid of getting turned down.
Mít kačení žaludek
Pronunciation: [miːt kat͡ʃɛɲiː ʒaludɛk]
Literal Translation:"To have a duck's stomach"
Meaning:To be able to digest anything without ill effects.
Můj bratr má kačení žaludek, sní cokoliv.
My brother has an iron stomach; he eats anything.
Být v ráži
Pronunciation: [biːt v raːʒɪ]
Literal Translation:"To be in fury/rage"
Meaning:To be in a high state of excitement or rage.
Když řečnil na pódiu, byl ve velké ráži.
When speaking on stage, he was in high gear.
Házet klacky pod nohy
Pronunciation: [haːzɛt klat͡skɪ pod nohɪ]
Literal Translation:"To throw sticks under feet"
Meaning:To put obstacles in someone's way.
Kolegové mu v práci házeli klacky pod nohy.
Colleagues kept putting spokes in his wheel at work.
Dát ruku do ohně
Pronunciation: [daːt ruku do ohɲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To put hand into fire"
Meaning:To vouch 100% for someone's integrity.
Za jeho poctivost bych dal ruku do ohně.
I would put my hand in the fire for his honesty.
Mít hlavu v pejru
Pronunciation: [miːt hlavu v pɛjru]
Literal Translation:"To have head in feathers"
Meaning:To be overwhelmed with worries and tasks.
Před uzávěrkou měl hlavu v pejru.
Before the deadline he was overwhelmed with stress.
Spadnout klec
Pronunciation: [spadnou̯t klɛt͡s]
Literal Translation:"The cage fell"
Meaning:The gig is up; caught red-handed.
Zloděj se pokusil utéct, ale spadla klec.
The thief tried to escape, but the game was up.
Nechat někoho na holičkách
Pronunciation: [nɛxat ɲɛkoho na holɪt͡ʃkaːx]
Literal Translation:"To leave someone on bare ground"
Meaning:To leave someone in the lurch without help.
V těžké chvíli nás nenechal na holičkách.
In hard times he did not leave us in the lurch.
Být z jiného těsta
Pronunciation: [biːt z jɪnɛːho tʲɛsta]
Literal Translation:"To be from different dough"
Meaning:To be cut from a different cloth.
Tento mladý vědec je z úplně jiného těsta.
This young scientist is cut from a different cloth.
Kápnout božskou
Pronunciation: [kaːpnou̯t boʃskou̯]
Literal Translation:"To drop the divine"
Meaning:To spill the beans and tell the truth.
Policejnímu vyšetřovateli nakonec kápnul božskou.
He finally spilled the beans to the police investigator.
Mít vyřídilku
Pronunciation: [miːt vɪr̝iːdɪlku]
Literal Translation:"To have a mouth for managing"
Meaning:To be silver-tongued and articulate.
Ta nová obchodnice má skvělou vyřídilku.
That new saleswoman has a real gift of the gab.
Být v ráji
Pronunciation: [biːt v raːjɪ]
Literal Translation:"To be in paradise"
Meaning:To feel absolute joy and peace.
Na té pláži jsem byl jako v ráji.
On that beach I felt as if in paradise.
Vymyslet teplou vodu
Pronunciation: [vɪmɪslɛt tɛplou̯ vodu]
Literal Translation:"To invent hot water"
Meaning:Reinventing the wheel unnecessarily.
Nemusíš vymýšlet teplou vodu, použij osvědčený postup.
You don't need to reinvent the wheel; use the proven method.
Mít svaté strpení
Pronunciation: [miːt svatɛː str̩pɛɲiː]
Literal Translation:"To have holy patience"
Meaning:To possess extraordinary patience.
Učitel v mateřské škole musí mít svaté strpení.
A kindergarten teacher needs to have saintly patience.
Být na jedné lodi
Pronunciation: [biːt na jɛdnɛː lodɪ]
Literal Translation:"To be on one boat"
Meaning:To be in the same boat.
V této krizi jsme všichni na jedné lodi.
In this crisis we are all in the same boat.
Dát si do nosu
Pronunciation: [daːt sɪ do nosu]
Literal Translation:"To put into one's nose"
Meaning:To feast heartily and enjoy fine food.
Na oslavě jsme si pořádně dali do nosu.
At the party we feasted heartily on good food.
Být jako tělo a duše
Pronunciation: [biːt jako tʲɛlo a duʃɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be like body and soul"
Meaning:To be inseparable best friends.
Ti dva bratři jsou od dětství jako tělo a duše.
Those two brothers have been inseparable since childhood.
Vidět všechno černě
Pronunciation: [vɪdʲɛt vʃɛxno t͡ʃɛrɲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To see everything in black"
Meaning:To be pessimistic and see only the negative.
Nebuď pesimista a nevidí všechno černě.
Don't be a pessimist and see everything in dark colors.
Růst jako z vody
Pronunciation: [ruːst jako z vodɪ]
Literal Translation:"To grow as if from water"
Meaning:To grow up very fast (said of children).
Děti souseda rostou jako z vody.
The neighbor's children are growing like weeds.
Brát věci s rezervou
Pronunciation: [braːt vjɛt͡sɪ s rɛzɛrvou̯]
Literal Translation:"To take things with a reserve"
Meaning:To take statements with a grain of salt.
Jeho zprávy bral vždycky s rezervou.
He always took his news with a pinch of salt.
Být v právu
Pronunciation: [biːt v praːvu]
Literal Translation:"To be in right"
Meaning:To be in the right morally or legally.
Soud potvrdil, že byl v tomto sporu v právu.
The court confirmed that he was in the right in this dispute.
Dát hlavy dohromady
Pronunciation: [daːt hlavɪ dohromadɪ]
Literal Translation:"To put heads together"
Meaning:To consult together to find a solution.
Dali jsme hlavy dohromady a vyřešili problém.
We put our heads together and solved the problem.
Být jako na trní
Pronunciation: [biːt jako na tr̩ɲiː]
Literal Translation:"To be like on thorns"
Meaning:To be on pins and needles with anxiety.
Během čekání na výsledky byl jako na trní.
While waiting for the results he was on pins and needles.
Mít čistý štít
Pronunciation: [miːt t͡ʃɪstɪː ʃtʲiːt]
Literal Translation:"To have a clean shield"
Meaning:To have an unblemished record and clear conscience.
Nastoupil do nové práce s čistým štítem.
He started his new job with a clean slate.
Plavat proti proudu
Pronunciation: [plavat protɪ prou̯du]
Literal Translation:"To swim against the current"
Meaning:To go against popular opinion.
Nestrachoval se plavat proti proudu.
He wasn't afraid to swim against the current.
Držet jazyk za zuby
Pronunciation: [dr̝̊ɛt jazɪk za zubɪ]
Literal Translation:"To hold tongue behind teeth"
Meaning:To keep quiet and hold one's tongue.
Raději držel jazyk za zuby, aby neudělal chybu.
He held his tongue so as not to make a mistake.
Být z levného kraje
Pronunciation: [biːt z lɛvnɛːho krajɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be from a cheap region"
Meaning:Used when someone asks for unreasonable low price.
Ty si myslíš, že jsem z levného kraje?
Do you think I'm giving things away for peanuts?
Mít zlaté srdce
Pronunciation: [miːt zlatɛː srdt͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have a golden heart"
Meaning:To have a heart of gold.
Ta stará paní má opravdové zlaté srdce.
That old lady has a heart of gold.
Chytit příležitost za pačesy
Pronunciation: [xɪtɪt pr̝̊iːlɛʒɪtost za pat͡ʃɛsɪ]
Literal Translation:"To grab opportunity by the forelock"
Meaning:To seize an opportunity eagerly.
Chytil tuto nabídku práce za pačesy.
He seized this job offer with both hands.
Být v dobrých rukou
Pronunciation: [biːt v dobriːx rukou̯]
Literal Translation:"To be in good hands"
Meaning:To be well taken care of.
V této nemocnici jsi v dobrých rukou.
In this hospital you are in good hands.
Zvednout kotvy
Pronunciation: [zvɛdnou̯t kotvɪ]
Literal Translation:"To raise anchors"
Meaning:To set sail; depart for a new destination.
Po třech letech v městě zvedl kotvy a odstěhoval se.
After three years in the city he pulled up stakes and moved.
Být ve své kůži
Pronunciation: [biːt vɛ svɛː kuːʒɪ]
Literal Translation:"To be in one's skin"
Meaning:To feel comfortable and like oneself.
Dnes se necítím ve své kůži.
I am not feeling quite myself today.
Mít pevnou vůli
Pronunciation: [miːt pɛvnou̯ vuːlɪ]
Literal Translation:"To have firm will"
Meaning:To possess strong willpower.
Při dietě potřebuješ pevnou vůli.
During a diet you need strong willpower.
Klopit zrak
Pronunciation: [klopɪt zrak]
Literal Translation:"To lower eyes"
Meaning:To look down out of shame or modesty.
Při omluvě klopil zrak k zemi.
While apologizing he lowered his eyes to the ground.
Být pro každou špatnost
Pronunciation: [biːt pro kaʒdou̯ ʃpatnost]
Literal Translation:"To be for any badness"
Meaning:To be up for any fun, prank, or adventure.
Můj kamarád je pro každou špatnost.
My friend is up for any adventure.
Mít jasno
Pronunciation: [miːt jasno]
Literal Translation:"To have clear"
Meaning:To have a clear understanding or decision.
Po rozhovoru už mám ve všem jasno.
After the talk I have a clear picture of everything.
Být v kurzu
Pronunciation: [biːt v kurzu]
Literal Translation:"To be in exchange/vogue"
Meaning:To be fashionable, popular, or in high demand.
Tato nová technologie je teď hodně v kurzu.
This new technology is very much in vogue right now.
Dát někomu lekci
Pronunciation: [daːt ɲɛkomu lɛkt͡sɪ]
Literal Translation:"To give someone a lesson"
Meaning:To teach someone a hard lesson.
Tato zkušenost mu dala pořádnou lekci.
This experience taught him a valuable lesson.
Mít otevřené dveře
Pronunciation: [miːt otɛvr̝̊ɛnɛː dvɛr̝̊ɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have open doors"
Meaning:To have welcoming opportunities everywhere.
S tímto diplomem máš dveře otevřené všude.
With this diploma you have open doors everywhere.
Být na vrcholu sil
Pronunciation: [biːt na vr̩xolu sɪl]
Literal Translation:"To be at peak of forces"
Meaning:To be at the height of one's powers.
V třiceti letech byl na vrcholu svých sil.
At thirty he was at the height of his powers.
Udělat tlustou čáru
Pronunciation: [udʲɛlat tlustou̯ t͡ʃaːru]
Literal Translation:"To make a thick line"
Meaning:To draw a line under the past and start fresh.
Rozhodl se udělat tlustou čáru za minulostí.
He decided to draw a line under the past.
Mít dobré srdce
Pronunciation: [miːt dobrɛː srdt͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have good heart"
Meaning:To be kind-hearted and benevolent.
Pomáhá všem, protože má dobré srdce.
He helps everyone because he has a good heart.
Být v popředí
Pronunciation: [biːt v popr̝̊ɛdiː]
Literal Translation:"To be in forefront"
Meaning:To be at the forefront of a movement or field.
Firma je v popředí výzkumu nových léků.
The company is at the forefront of medical research.
Rozdat se pro druhé
Pronunciation: [rozdat sɪ pro druhɛː]
Literal Translation:"To give oneself out for others"
Meaning:To give selflessly for the benefit of others.
Matka by se pro své děti rozdala.
The mother would give her all selflessly for her children.
Mít slovo
Pronunciation: [miːt slovo]
Literal Translation:"To have the word"
Meaning:To have the floor in a discussion.
Nyní má slovo předseda výboru.
Now the chairman of the committee has the floor.
Být z jednoho dřeva
Pronunciation: [biːt z jɛdnoho dr̝̊ɛva]
Literal Translation:"To be from one wood"
Meaning:To be cut from the same tree; similar.
Ti dva jsou vyřezaní z jednoho dřeva.
Those two are chips off the same block.
Mít pevnou půdu pod nohama
Pronunciation: [miːt pɛvnou̯ puːdu pod nohama]
Literal Translation:"To have firm ground under feet"
Meaning:To feel secure and grounded.
Po získání práce získal pevnou půdu pod nohama.
After securing the job he felt solid ground under his feet.
Být po uši zamilovaný
Pronunciation: [biːt po uʃɪ zamɪlovanɪː]
Literal Translation:"To be after ears in love"
Meaning:To be head over heels in love.
Je po uši zamilovaný do své spolužačky.
He is head over heels in love with his classmate.
Dát věcem volný průběh
Pronunciation: [daːt vjɛt͡sɛm volniː pruːbjɛxk]
Literal Translation:"To give things free course"
Meaning:To let nature take its course.
Rozhodli jsme se dát věcem volný průběh.
We decided to let nature take its course.
Být v dobré kondici
Pronunciation: [biːt v dobrɛː kondɪt͡sɪ]
Literal Translation:"To be in good condition"
Meaning:To be in great physical shape.
Pravidelně cvičí a je v vynikající kondici.
He exercises regularly and is in great shape.
Mít velké plány
Pronunciation: [miːt vɛlkɛː plaːnɪ]
Literal Translation:"To have big plans"
Meaning:To have grand ambitions.
Mladý podnikatel má velké plány do budoucna.
The young entrepreneur has big plans for the future.
Být vzorem pro ostatní
Pronunciation: [biːt vzorɛm pro ostatɲiː]
Literal Translation:"To be model for others"
Meaning:To serve as a role model.
Jeho pracovitost je vzorem pro ostatní.
His diligence serves as a role model for others.
Vydat ze sebe to nejlepší
Pronunciation: [vɪdat zɛ sɛbɛ to ɲɛjlɛpʃiː]
Literal Translation:"To give out of oneself the best"
Meaning:To give one's absolute best.
Sportovec vydal ze sebe v závodě to nejlepší.
The athlete gave his absolute best in the race.
Být na správném místě
Pronunciation: [biːt na spravnɛːm miːstʲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be at right place"
Meaning:To be in the right place at the right time.
Byl ve správný čas na správném místě.
He was in the right place at the right time.
Mít nadhled
Pronunciation: [miːt nadhlɛt]
Literal Translation:"To have over-view"
Meaning:To have perspective and stay above petty disputes.
V krizových situacích si zachovává nadhled.
In crisis situations he maintains perspective.
Být oporou pro druhé
Pronunciation: [biːt oporou̯ pro druhɛː]
Literal Translation:"To be a support for others"
Meaning:To be a pillar of support for loved ones.
Byla velkou oporou pro svou rodinu.
She was a great pillar of support for her family.
Dojít k cíli
Pronunciation: [dojiːt k t͡siːlɪ]
Literal Translation:"To reach the goal"
Meaning:To achieve one's objective.
Díky vytrvalosti došel k vytouženému cíli.
Thanks to perseverance he reached his desired goal.
Být plný optimizmu
Pronunciation: [biːt plniː optɪmɪzmu]
Literal Translation:"To be full of optimism"
Meaning:To be full of optimism and energy.
Do nového roku vstoupil plný optimizmu.
He entered the new year full of optimism.
Mít důvěru v budoucnost
Pronunciation: [miːt duːvjɛru v budout͡snost]
Literal Translation:"To have trust in future"
Meaning:To look forward to the future with faith.
Má hlubokou důvěru v dobrou budoucnost.
He has deep faith in a bright future.
Být schopen všeho
Pronunciation: [biːt sxopɛn vʃɛho]
Literal Translation:"To be capable of everything"
Meaning:Capable of great achievements (or anything).
Je to odhodlaný člověk schopen velkých věcí.
He is a determined person capable of great things.
Nalézt rovnováhu
Pronunciation: [naleːzt rovnovaːhu]
Literal Translation:"To find balance"
Meaning:To achieve work-life balance.
Našel rovnováhu mezi prací a osobním životem.
He found a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Být v souladu s přírodou
Pronunciation: [biːt v souladu s pr̝̊iːrodou̯]
Literal Translation:"To be in harmony with nature"
Meaning:To live in harmony with nature.
Žije na vesnici v dokonalém souladu s přírodou.
He lives in the village in perfect harmony with nature.
Mít otevřenou mysl
Pronunciation: [miːt otɛvr̝̊ɛnou̯ mɪsl̩]
Literal Translation:"To have an open mind"
Meaning:To be open-minded.
Dobrý vědec musí mít vždy otevřenou mysl.
A good scientist must always keep an open mind.
Být světlem v temnotě
Pronunciation: [biːt svjɛtlɛm v tɛmnotʲɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be light in darkness"
Meaning:To be a beacon of hope.
Její úsměv byl světlem v temnotě těžkých dnů.
Her smile was a beacon of light in dark days.
Dosáhnout úspěchu
Pronunciation: [dosaːhnou̯t uːspjɛxu]
Literal Translation:"To reach success"
Meaning:To achieve success through hard work.
Po letech tvrdé práce dosáhl zaslouženého úspěchu.
After years of hard work he achieved well-deserved success.
Být plný energie
Pronunciation: [biːt plniː ɛnɛrɡɪjɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be full of energy"
Meaning:To be full of energy and vigor.
Po ranním běhu byl plný energie.
After the morning run he was full of energy.
Mít radost ze života
Pronunciation: [miːt radost zɛ ʒɪvota]
Literal Translation:"To have joy of life"
Meaning:To have zest for life.
Navzdory věku má obrovskou radost ze života.
Despite age he has immense zest for life.
Být věrný sám sobě
Pronunciation: [biːt vjɛrniː saːm sobjɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be faithful to oneself"
Meaning:To be true to oneself.
Vždy zůstal věrný sám sobě a svým zásadám.
He always stayed true to himself and his principles.
Být z kůže ven
Pronunciation: [biːt z kuːʒɛ vɛn]
Literal Translation:"To be out of skin"
Meaning:To be beside oneself with excitement or joy.
Z nového auta byl celý z kůže ven.
He was beside himself with joy over the new car.
Být na jedničku
Pronunciation: [biːt na jɛdɲɪt͡sku]
Literal Translation:"To be at number one"
Meaning:To be top-notch or excellent.
Jeho výkon na koncertu byl na jedničku.
His performance at the concert was top-notch.
Být s rozumem v koncích
Pronunciation: [biːt s rozumɛm v kont͡siːx]
Literal Translation:"To be with reason at ends"
Meaning:To be at one's wit's end.
Při řešení toho problému byl s rozumem v koncích.
While solving that problem he was at his wit's end.
Mít na růžích ustláno
Pronunciation: [miːt na ruːʒiːx ustlaːno]
Literal Translation:"To have a bed of roses"
Meaning:To live a smooth, easy life without hardships.
V novém zaměstnání nemá zrovna na růžích ustláno.
In his new job he doesn't exactly have a bed of roses.
Padnout na úrodnou půdu
Pronunciation: [padnou̯t na uːrodnou̯ puːdu]
Literal Translation:"To fall on fertile ground"
Meaning:For an idea or proposal to be warmly welcomed.
Jeho nápad padl na úrodnou půdu.
His idea fell on fertile ground.
Roztrhnout se s něčím pytel
Pronunciation: [roztr̩hnou̯t sɪ s ɲɛt͡siːm pɪtɛl]
Literal Translation:"For a sack to burst with something"
Meaning:For something to become suddenly very abundant.
S novými kavárnami se ve městě roztrhl pytel.
New cafes suddenly popped up everywhere in town.
Vynést někoho do nebes
Pronunciation: [vɪnɛːst ɲɛkoho do ɲɛbɛs]
Literal Translation:"To lift someone to heaven"
Meaning:To praise someone to the skies.
Kritikové vynesli její novou knihu do nebes.
Critics praised her new book to the skies.
Mít obě ruce levé
Pronunciation: [miːt objɛ rut͡sɛ lɛvɛː]
Literal Translation:"To have both hands left"
Meaning:To be clumsy; all thumbs.
Co se týče oprav v domě, má obě ruce levé.
When it comes to home repairs, he is all thumbs.
Stát na vlastních nohách
Pronunciation: [staːt na vlastɲiːx nohaːx]
Literal Translation:"To stand on own feet"
Meaning:To be independent and self-sufficient.
Po dokončení školy stojí na vlastních nohách.
After finishing school he stands on his own two feet.
Mít oči jen pro někoho
Pronunciation: [miːt ot͡ʃɪ jɛn pro ɲɛkoho]
Literal Translation:"To have eyes only for someone"
Meaning:To be devoted entirely to one person.
Byl do ní zamilovaný a měl oči jen pro ni.
He was in love and had eyes only for her.
Chytat lelky
Pronunciation: [xɪtat lɛlkɪ]
Literal Translation:"To catch nightjars"
Meaning:To daydream or waste time lazily.
Místo učení jen seděl u okna a chytal lelky.
Instead of studying he sat by the window daydreaming.
Nosit dříví do lesa
Pronunciation: [nosɪt dr̝̊iːviː do lɛsa]
Literal Translation:"Carrying firewood to the forest"
Meaning:Carrying coals to Newcastle; redundant action.
Vysvětlovat mu počítače je jako nosit dříví do lesa.
Explaining computers to him is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
Slíbit hory doly
Pronunciation: [sliːbɪt horɪ dolɪ]
Literal Translation:"To promise mountains and valleys"
Meaning:To promise the moon.
Před volbami slíbil hory doly, ale nic nesplnil.
Before elections he promised the moon, but fulfilled nothing.
Držet se zuby nehty
Pronunciation: [dr̝̊ɛt sɪ zubɪ ɲɛhtɪ]
Literal Translation:"To hold on with teeth and nails"
Meaning:To fight tooth and nail for something.
Držel se své pozice zuby nehty.
He fought tooth and nail to hold his position.
Nemít z čeho brát
Pronunciation: [nɛmiːt z t͡ʃɛho braːt]
Literal Translation:"Having nowhere to take from"
Meaning:To run completely out of energy or money.
Po dlouhé nemoci už neměl z čeho brát.
After long illness he had no energy left to draw upon.
Být ve svém živlu
Pronunciation: [biːt vɛ svɛːm ʒɪvlu]
Literal Translation:"To be in one's element"
Meaning:To be thoroughly in one's element.
Při vaření je ve svém živlu.
While cooking he is thoroughly in his element.
Mít otevřenou náruč
Pronunciation: [miːt otɛvr̝̊ɛnou̯ naːrut͡ʃ]
Literal Translation:"To have open arms"
Meaning:To welcome someone with open arms.
Přijali nového člena s otevřenou náručí.
They welcomed the new member with open arms.
Mít dobrou vůli
Pronunciation: [miːt dobrou̯ vuːlɪ]
Literal Translation:"To have good will"
Meaning:To have good will and intentions.
Projevil dobrou vůli vyřešit tento spor.
He showed good will to resolve this dispute.
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