thelernen logothelernen
Start for free
←Back to Српски course

40 Essential Serbian Idioms to Master

Level up your fluency. Explore the top 40 common idioms in Serbian, complete with literal translations, real-life conversation examples, and audio playback.

🔍
Showing 140 of 140 idioms
#1

Пасти са крушке

Pronunciation: [pasti sa kruške]

Literal Translation:"To fall from a pear tree"

Meaning:To be naive or hopelessly out of touch with what is going on.

Example:

Мислиш да сам пао са крушке?

Do you think I was born yesterday?

#2

Шпанска села

Pronunciation: [španska sela]

Literal Translation:"Spanish villages"

Meaning:Something completely incomprehensible; all Greek to someone.

Example:

Математика ми је шпанска села.

Mathematics is all Greek to me.

#3

Око за око, зуб за зуб

Pronunciation: [oko za oko, zub za zub]

Literal Translation:"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"

Meaning:Retaliation in exactly equal measure.

Example:

У том закону стоји: око за око, зуб за зуб.

That law says: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

#4

Крити као змија ноге

Pronunciation: [kriti kao zmija noge]

Literal Translation:"To hide it like a snake hides its legs"

Meaning:To keep something hidden with extreme care.

Example:

Крије свој новац као змија ноге.

They guard their money with utmost secrecy.

#5

Куповати мачку у џаку

Pronunciation: [kupovati mačku u džaku]

Literal Translation:"To buy a cat in a sack"

Meaning:To buy something sight unseen, without checking it.

Example:

Немој куповати мачку у џаку, погледај ауто прво.

Don't buy a pig in a poke, look at the car first.

#6

Млатити празну сламу

Pronunciation: [mlatiti praznu slamu]

Literal Translation:"To thresh empty straw"

Meaning:To talk on and on without saying anything useful.

Example:

Престани да млатиш празну сламу и пређи на суштину.

Stop waffling and get to the point.

#7

Држати фигу у џепу

Pronunciation: [držati figu u džepu]

Literal Translation:"To hold a fig sign in one's pocket"

Meaning:To feign agreement while secretly wishing the opposite.

Example:

Климају главом, а држе фигу у џепу.

They nod along while secretly hoping for the opposite.

#8

Исправљати криве Дрине

Pronunciation: [ispravljati krive drine]

Literal Translation:"To straighten the crooked river Drina"

Meaning:To attempt something hopeless that cannot be put right.

Example:

Не вреди исправљати криве Дрине, тај систем се неће променити.

There's no point tilting at windmills, that system won't change.

#9

Утерати страх у кости

Pronunciation: [uterati strah u kosti]

Literal Translation:"To drive fear into the bones"

Meaning:To terrify someone thoroughly.

Example:

Ова вест је свима утерала страх у кости.

This news struck fear into everyone.

#10

Остати кратких рукава

Pronunciation: [ostati kratkih rukava]

Literal Translation:"To be left with short sleeves"

Meaning:To end up empty-handed after expecting to gain something.

Example:

После договора остао је кратких рукава.

After the deal they were left empty-handed.

#11

Извући дебљи крај

Pronunciation: [izvući deblji kraj]

Literal Translation:"To pull out the thicker end"

Meaning:To come off worst in a deal or a dispute.

Example:

Увек ја извучем дебљи крај.

I always end up getting the short end of the stick.

#12

Висити о концу

Pronunciation: [visiti o koncu]

Literal Translation:"To hang by a thread"

Meaning:To be in a precarious state that could collapse at any moment.

Example:

Његова каријера виси о концу.

Their career is hanging by a thread.

#13

Носити главу у торби

Pronunciation: [nositi glavu u torbi]

Literal Translation:"To carry one's head in a bag"

Meaning:To put your life on the line day after day.

Example:

Овај посао значи носити главу у торби.

This job means putting your life on the line.

#14

Окренути леђа

Pronunciation: [okrenuti leđa]

Literal Translation:"To turn one's back"

Meaning:To abandon someone who was counting on you.

Example:

Никада немој окренути леђа пријатељу.

Never turn your back on a friend.

#15

Пружити руку помоћи

Pronunciation: [pružiti ruku pomoći]

Literal Translation:"To extend a hand of help"

Meaning:To step in and help someone in difficulty.

Example:

Увек је спреман да пружи руку помоћи.

They're always ready to lend a helping hand.

#16

Долити уље на ватру

Pronunciation: [doliti ulje na vatru]

Literal Translation:"To pour oil on the fire"

Meaning:To make an already tense situation considerably worse.

Example:

Немој доливати уље на ватру, ионако су нервозни.

Don't add fuel to the fire, they're on edge as it is.

#17

Седети на две столице

Pronunciation: [sedeti na dve stolice]

Literal Translation:"To sit on two chairs"

Meaning:To try to keep in with two opposing sides at once.

Example:

Не можеш вечно седети на две столице.

You can't sit on two chairs forever.

#18

Окренути нови лист

Pronunciation: [okrenuti novi list]

Literal Translation:"To turn over a new leaf"

Meaning:To make a fresh start and change how you live.

Example:

Време је да окренемо нови лист.

It's time we turned over a new leaf.

#19

Ухватити бика за рогове

Pronunciation: [uhvatiti bika za rogove]

Literal Translation:"To take the bull by the horns"

Meaning:To tackle a problem head-on instead of avoiding it.

Example:

Морамо ухватити бика за рогове и решити ово данас.

We have to take the bull by the horns and settle this today.

#20

Измислити топлу воду

Pronunciation: [izmisliti toplu vodu]

Literal Translation:"To invent hot water"

Meaning:To present as a discovery something everyone has known for ages.

Example:

Не мораш измишљати топлу воду, решење већ постоји.

You don't need to reinvent the wheel, the solution already exists.

#21

Из чиста мира

Pronunciation: [iz čista mira]

Literal Translation:"Out of clear peace"

Meaning:Suddenly and with no warning whatsoever.

Example:

Почео је да виче из чиста мира.

They started shouting out of nowhere.

#22

Пасти у заборав

Pronunciation: [pasti u zaborav]

Literal Translation:"To fall into oblivion"

Meaning:To be forgotten completely over time.

Example:

Тај стари обичај је пао у заборав.

That old custom has fallen into oblivion.

#23

Брз на језику

Pronunciation: [brz na jeziku]

Literal Translation:"Quick on the tongue"

Meaning:Ready with a sharp reply, sometimes too ready.

Example:

Марко је веома брз на језику.

Marko is very quick with a retort.

#24

Имати пуне руке посла

Pronunciation: [imati pune ruke posla]

Literal Translation:"To have hands full of work"

Meaning:To have far more to do than you can comfortably manage.

Example:

Данас имамо пуне руке посла.

We have our hands full today.

#25

Пробити лед

Pronunciation: [probiti led]

Literal Translation:"To break the ice"

Meaning:To ease the initial awkwardness between people.

Example:

Његова шала је пробила лед.

Their joke broke the ice.

#26

Играти се ватром

Pronunciation: [igrati se vatrom]

Literal Translation:"To play with fire"

Meaning:To take a reckless risk that could easily backfire.

Example:

Позајмљујући толики новац, играш се ватром.

Borrowing that much money, you're playing with fire.

#27

Правити од муве слона

Pronunciation: [praviti od muve slona]

Literal Translation:"To make an elephant out of a fly"

Meaning:To blow a small matter far out of proportion.

Example:

Смири се, правиш од муве слона.

Calm down, you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

#28

Гледати кроз прсте

Pronunciation: [gledati kroz prste]

Literal Translation:"To look through one's fingers"

Meaning:To knowingly overlook someone's faults or misdeeds.

Example:

Наставник му гледа кроз прсте због кашњења.

The teacher turns a blind eye to their lateness.

#29

Држати језик за зубима

Pronunciation: [držati jezik za zubima]

Literal Translation:"To keep one's tongue behind one's teeth"

Meaning:To keep quiet about something you know.

Example:

Боље држи језик за зубима док се све не разјасни.

Better hold your tongue until everything is cleared up.

#30

Бити трн у оку

Pronunciation: [biti trn u oku]

Literal Translation:"To be a thorn in the eye"

Meaning:To be a constant irritation to someone.

Example:

Његов успех је многима трн у оку.

Their success is a thorn in many people's side.

#31

Бацати прашину у очи

Pronunciation: [bacati prašinu u oči]

Literal Translation:"To throw dust in someone's eyes"

Meaning:To mislead people with a showy but empty display.

Example:

Тим обећањима само баца прашину у очи бирачима.

With those promises they're just throwing dust in the voters' eyes.

#32

Обећавати брда и долине

Pronunciation: [obećavati brda i doline]

Literal Translation:"To promise hills and valleys"

Meaning:To make lavish promises you have no way of keeping.

Example:

Пред изборе обећавају брда и долине.

Before elections they promise the earth.

#33

Кад на врби роди грожђе

Pronunciation: [kad na vrbi rodi grožđe]

Literal Translation:"When grapes grow on a willow"

Meaning:Never; said of something that will not happen.

Example:

Вратиће ти новац кад на врби роди грожђе.

They'll give you your money back when pigs fly.

#34

Држати свећу

Pronunciation: [držati sveću]

Literal Translation:"To hold the candle"

Meaning:To be the awkward third person with a couple.

Example:

Нећу да идем с њима да не држим свећу.

I won't go with them, I don't want to play gooseberry.

#35

Тражити длаку у јајету

Pronunciation: [tražiti dlaku u jajetu]

Literal Translation:"To look for a hair in an egg"

Meaning:To find fault with even the tiniest detail.

Example:

Увек тражи длаку у јајету у мојим извештајима.

They always nitpick my reports.

#36

Спавати као заклан

Pronunciation: [spavati kao zaklan]

Literal Translation:"To sleep like one slaughtered"

Meaning:To sleep very deeply, hearing nothing at all.

Example:

После пута сам спавао као заклан.

After the trip I slept like a log.

#37

Здрав као дрен

Pronunciation: [zdrav kao dren]

Literal Translation:"Healthy as a cornel tree"

Meaning:In excellent health, strong and robust.

Example:

Деда има осамдесет година, а здрав је као дрен.

Grandpa is eighty and fit as a fiddle.

#38

Гладан као вук

Pronunciation: [gladan kao vuk]

Literal Translation:"Hungry as a wolf"

Meaning:Extremely hungry.

Example:

После тренинга сам гладан као вук.

After training I'm hungry as a wolf.

#39

Радити као коњ

Pronunciation: [raditi kao konj]

Literal Translation:"To work like a horse"

Meaning:To work extremely hard, to the point of exhaustion.

Example:

Цео месец је радио као коњ.

They worked like a horse all month.

#40

Ћутати као риба

Pronunciation: [ćutati kao riba]

Literal Translation:"To keep silent like a fish"

Meaning:To say absolutely nothing, however much you are pressed.

Example:

Питали смо га, али је ћутао као риба.

We asked them, but they said nothing at all.

#41

Пити као смук

Pronunciation: [piti kao smuk]

Literal Translation:"To drink like a grass snake"

Meaning:To drink alcohol heavily and regularly.

Example:

Отишао је низбрдо откад је почео да пије као смук.

They went downhill once they started drinking like a fish.

#42

Мокар до голе коже

Pronunciation: [mokar do gole kože]

Literal Translation:"Wet down to the bare skin"

Meaning:Soaked right through by rain.

Example:

Стигао сам кући мокар до голе коже.

I got home soaked to the skin.

#43

Бити на седмом небу

Pronunciation: [biti na sedmom nebu]

Literal Translation:"To be in the seventh heaven"

Meaning:To be overjoyed.

Example:

Кад је чула вест, била је на седмом небу.

When she heard the news she was over the moon.

#44

Живети као бубрег у лоју

Pronunciation: [živeti kao bubreg u loju]

Literal Translation:"To live like a kidney in suet"

Meaning:To live in comfort and plenty, wanting for nothing.

Example:

Откад је добио то место, живи као бубрег у лоју.

Since getting that post they've been living in clover.

#45

Имати путера на глави

Pronunciation: [imati putera na glavi]

Literal Translation:"To have butter on one's head"

Meaning:To have something to hide and therefore avoid scrutiny.

Example:

Ћути јер и сам има путера на глави.

They keep quiet because they have something to hide themselves.

#46

Наћи заједнички језик

Pronunciation: [naći zajednički jezik]

Literal Translation:"To find a common language"

Meaning:To reach an understanding with someone.

Example:

Након дуге расправе нашли смо заједнички језик.

After a long discussion we found common ground.

#47

Изаћи на крај с неким

Pronunciation: [izaći na kraj s nekim]

Literal Translation:"To come out at the end with someone"

Meaning:To manage to handle a difficult person or situation.

Example:

Само она зна да изађе на крај с њим.

Only she knows how to handle him.

#48

Ставити карте на сто

Pronunciation: [staviti karte na sto]

Literal Translation:"To put the cards on the table"

Meaning:To state your intentions openly, hiding nothing.

Example:

Хајде да ставимо карте на сто и договоримо се.

Let's put our cards on the table and come to terms.

#49

Бити нечија десна рука

Pronunciation: [biti nečija desna ruka]

Literal Translation:"To be someone's right hand"

Meaning:To be someone's closest and most trusted helper.

Example:

Она је директорова десна рука већ десет година.

She's been the director's right hand for ten years.

#50

Извући живу главу

Pronunciation: [izvući živu glavu]

Literal Translation:"To pull out one's head alive"

Meaning:To survive something that could easily have killed you.

Example:

У тој несрећи једва је извукао живу главу.

They barely escaped that accident alive.

#51

Дићи руке од нечега

Pronunciation: [dići ruke od nečega]

Literal Translation:"To raise one's hands off something"

Meaning:To give up on something after trying long enough.

Example:

Дигли смо руке од тог пројекта.

We gave up on that project.

#52

Држати некога у шаци

Pronunciation: [držati nekoga u šaci]

Literal Translation:"To hold someone in one's fist"

Meaning:To have complete power over someone.

Example:

Тим документима их држи у шаци.

With those documents they have them in their grip.

#53

Ухватити некога на делу

Pronunciation: [uhvatiti nekoga na delu]

Literal Translation:"To catch someone in the act"

Meaning:To catch someone red-handed.

Example:

Ухватили су га на делу док је копирао документа.

They caught him red-handed copying the documents.

#54

Гурати нос где му није место

Pronunciation: [gurati nos gde mu nije mesto]

Literal Translation:"To push one's nose where it doesn't belong"

Meaning:To meddle in matters that are none of your business.

Example:

Не гурај нос где му није место.

Don't stick your nose where it doesn't belong.

#55

Оставити на цедилу

Pronunciation: [ostaviti na cedilu]

Literal Translation:"To leave someone on the strainer"

Meaning:To let someone down at the moment they need you most.

Example:

Обећао је помоћ, а оставио нас је на цедилу.

They promised help and then left us in the lurch.

#56

Као гром из ведра неба

Pronunciation: [kao grom iz vedra neba]

Literal Translation:"Like thunder from a clear sky"

Meaning:Completely unexpectedly, with no warning at all.

Example:

Његова оставка стигла је као гром из ведра неба.

Their resignation came like a bolt from the blue.

#57

Из петних жила

Pronunciation: [iz petnih žila]

Literal Translation:"From the veins of one's heels"

Meaning:With every ounce of strength you have.

Example:

Трчали смо из петних жила да стигнемо воз.

We ran with all our might to catch the train.

#58

На брзу руку

Pronunciation: [na brzu ruku]

Literal Translation:"On a quick hand"

Meaning:Hastily and without much care.

Example:

Направила је ручак на брзу руку.

She threw lunch together quickly.

#59

Од главе до пете

Pronunciation: [od glave do pete]

Literal Translation:"From head to heel"

Meaning:Entirely, over the whole person.

Example:

Погледала ме је од главе до пете.

She looked me over from head to toe.

#60

Држати реч

Pronunciation: [držati reč]

Literal Translation:"To hold one's word"

Meaning:To do what you promised.

Example:

Он увек држи реч.

They always keep their word.

#61

Пружити маслинову гранчицу

Pronunciation: [pružiti maslinovu grančicu]

Literal Translation:"To hold out an olive branch"

Meaning:To make the first move towards reconciliation.

Example:

После свађе пружио је маслинову гранчицу.

After the quarrel they held out an olive branch.

#62

Бити у истом сосу

Pronunciation: [biti u istom sosu]

Literal Translation:"To be in the same sauce"

Meaning:To be in the same difficult position as someone else.

Example:

Сви смо ми у истом сосу.

We're all in the same boat.

#63

Пливати против струје

Pronunciation: [plivati protiv struje]

Literal Translation:"To swim against the current"

Meaning:To go against what everyone else is doing.

Example:

Увек је пливао против струје и није се кајао.

They always swam against the current and never regretted it.

#64

Отворити душу

Pronunciation: [otvoriti dušu]

Literal Translation:"To open one's soul"

Meaning:To share your innermost feelings with someone.

Example:

Те вечери ми је отворила душу.

That evening she opened her heart to me.

#65

Пасти у очи

Pronunciation: [pasti u oči]

Literal Translation:"To fall into the eyes"

Meaning:To stand out and catch someone's attention.

Example:

Одмах ми је пала у очи грешка у наслову.

The mistake in the title caught my eye at once.

#66

Бацити око на нешто

Pronunciation: [baciti oko na nešto]

Literal Translation:"To throw an eye at something"

Meaning:To take a liking to something and set your sights on it.

Example:

Бацио сам око на онај стан код парка.

I've got my eye on that flat by the park.

#67

Прогутати кнедлу

Pronunciation: [progutati knedlu]

Literal Translation:"To swallow a dumpling"

Meaning:To swallow an insult or bad news without protesting.

Example:

Морао је да прогута кнедлу и ћути.

They had to swallow it and keep quiet.

#68

Сести некоме за врат

Pronunciation: [sesti nekome za vrat]

Literal Translation:"To sit on someone's neck"

Meaning:To pressure someone constantly, giving them no peace.

Example:

Шеф ми је сео за врат због рокова.

The boss is breathing down my neck about the deadlines.

#69

Бити на врх језика

Pronunciation: [biti na vrh jezika]

Literal Translation:"To be on the tip of the tongue"

Meaning:To be almost remembered but just out of reach.

Example:

Име ми је на врх језика, а не могу да га се сетим.

The name is on the tip of my tongue but I can't recall it.

#70

Пресећи у корену

Pronunciation: [preseći u korenu]

Literal Translation:"To cut at the root"

Meaning:To stop a problem before it can grow.

Example:

Такве гласине треба пресећи у корену.

Such rumours should be nipped in the bud.

#71

Ставити под тепих

Pronunciation: [staviti pod tepih]

Literal Translation:"To put under the carpet"

Meaning:To hide an awkward matter instead of dealing with it.

Example:

Тај случај су ставили под тепих.

They swept that case under the carpet.

#72

Држати палчеве

Pronunciation: [držati palčeve]

Literal Translation:"To hold one's thumbs"

Meaning:To wish someone luck.

Example:

Држим ти палчеве за сутрашњи испит.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your exam tomorrow.

#73

Стиснути зубе

Pronunciation: [stisnuti zube]

Literal Translation:"To clench one's teeth"

Meaning:To endure a hard stretch without complaining.

Example:

Још мало, стисни зубе и издржи.

Just a bit longer, grit your teeth and hold on.

#74

Дати зелено светло

Pronunciation: [dati zeleno svetlo]

Literal Translation:"To give the green light"

Meaning:To approve something and let it go ahead.

Example:

Управа је дала зелено светло за нови погон.

The board gave the green light for the new plant.

#75

Бити у зачараном кругу

Pronunciation: [biti u začaranom krugu]

Literal Translation:"To be in an enchanted circle"

Meaning:To be stuck in a situation where each problem causes the next.

Example:

Без посла нема стана, без стана нема посла — зачарани круг.

No job without a flat, no flat without a job — a vicious circle.

#76

Тући главом о зид

Pronunciation: [tući glavom o zid]

Literal Translation:"To beat one's head against a wall"

Meaning:To struggle pointlessly against something immovable.

Example:

Са том бирократијом само тучеш главом о зид.

With that bureaucracy you're just banging your head against a wall.

#77

Наћи се у чуду

Pronunciation: [naći se u čudu]

Literal Translation:"To find oneself in a wonder"

Meaning:To be left bewildered, not knowing what to do next.

Example:

Кад су сви отишли, нашао сам се у чуду.

When everyone left I was completely at a loss.

#78

Црна овца

Pronunciation: [crna ovca]

Literal Translation:"Black sheep"

Meaning:The one member of a family or group who is seen as a disgrace.

Example:

У породици лекара он је црна овца.

In a family of doctors he's the black sheep.

#79

Вући за нос

Pronunciation: [vući za nos]

Literal Translation:"To lead by the nose"

Meaning:To string someone along with false promises.

Example:

Месецима нас вуче за нос са тим уговором.

They've been stringing us along about that contract for months.

#80

Правити се Енглез

Pronunciation: [praviti se englez]

Literal Translation:"To pretend to be an Englishman"

Meaning:To feign ignorance so as not to get involved.

Example:

Кад треба помоћи, он се прави Енглез.

When help is needed, they play dumb.

#81

Ни пет ни шест

Pronunciation: [ni pet ni šest]

Literal Translation:"Neither five nor six"

Meaning:Without a moment's hesitation; straight to it.

Example:

Ни пет ни шест, скочио је у воду.

Without a second thought, they jumped into the water.

#82

Дићи нос

Pronunciation: [dići nos]

Literal Translation:"To raise one's nose"

Meaning:To become conceited after a bit of success.

Example:

Откад је добио награду, дигао је нос.

Since winning the prize they've got rather full of themselves.

#83

Спустити лопту

Pronunciation: [spustiti loptu]

Literal Translation:"To lower the ball"

Meaning:To tone things down and stop escalating.

Example:

Хајде да спустимо лопту и разговарамо мирно.

Let's tone it down and talk calmly.

#84

Бацити рукавицу

Pronunciation: [baciti rukavicu]

Literal Translation:"To throw down the glove"

Meaning:To openly challenge someone.

Example:

Својим говором бацио је рукавицу конкуренцији.

With that speech they threw down the gauntlet to their rivals.

#85

Тих као бубица

Pronunciation: [tih kao bubica]

Literal Translation:"Quiet as a little bug"

Meaning:Very quiet and unobtrusive.

Example:

Цело вече је био тих као бубица.

They were as quiet as a mouse all evening.

#86

Ићи као подмазано

Pronunciation: [ići kao podmazano]

Literal Translation:"To go as if greased"

Meaning:To proceed perfectly smoothly, without a hitch.

Example:

Од јутрос све иде као подмазано.

Since this morning everything has gone like clockwork.

#87

Не мрднути ни прстом

Pronunciation: [ne mrdnuti ni prstom]

Literal Translation:"Not to move even a finger"

Meaning:To do absolutely nothing to help.

Example:

Нико није мрднуо ни прстом да нам помогне.

Nobody lifted a finger to help us.

#88

Ставити бубу у уво

Pronunciation: [staviti bubu u uvo]

Literal Translation:"To put a bug in someone's ear"

Meaning:To plant a doubt or an idea that will not leave someone alone.

Example:

Тим питањем ми је ставио бубу у уво.

That question of theirs planted a seed of doubt in me.

#89

Тражити иглу у пласту сена

Pronunciation: [tražiti iglu u plastu sena]

Literal Translation:"To look for a needle in a haystack"

Meaning:To search for something virtually impossible to find.

Example:

Наћи га у тој гужви је као тражити иглу у пласту сена.

Finding them in that crowd is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

#90

Изгубити нит

Pronunciation: [izgubiti nit]

Literal Translation:"To lose the thread"

Meaning:To lose track of what you were saying or following.

Example:

Прекинули су ме и изгубио сам нит.

They interrupted me and I lost my thread.

#91

Дати некоме крила

Pronunciation: [dati nekome krila]

Literal Translation:"To give someone wings"

Meaning:To inspire someone and give them confidence.

Example:

Њена подршка ми је дала крила.

Her support gave me wings.

#92

Бити пун себе

Pronunciation: [biti pun sebe]

Literal Translation:"To be full of oneself"

Meaning:To be insufferably pleased with yourself.

Example:

Толико је пун себе да никог не слуша.

They're so full of themselves they listen to nobody.

#93

Пасти с ногу

Pronunciation: [pasti s nogu]

Literal Translation:"To fall off one's feet"

Meaning:To be so tired you can barely stand.

Example:

После смене падам с ногу.

After my shift I'm dead on my feet.

#94

Држати корак

Pronunciation: [držati korak]

Literal Translation:"To hold the step"

Meaning:To keep up with someone or with change.

Example:

Тешко је држати корак с новим технологијама.

It's hard to keep pace with new technologies.

#95

Пресипати из шупљег у празно

Pronunciation: [presipati iz šupljeg u prazno]

Literal Translation:"To pour from the hollow into the empty"

Meaning:To go round in circles in a conversation that leads nowhere.

Example:

Два сата смо пресипали из шупљег у празно.

We went round in circles for two hours.

#96

Отегнути папке

Pronunciation: [otegnuti papke]

Literal Translation:"To stretch out one's hooves"

Meaning:To die (a blunt, colloquial expression).

Example:

Стари фрижидер је коначно отегнуо папке.

The old fridge has finally given up the ghost.

#97

Кап у мору

Pronunciation: [kap u moru]

Literal Translation:"A drop in the sea"

Meaning:A contribution far too small to make a difference.

Example:

Та помоћ је само кап у мору.

That aid is only a drop in the ocean.

#98

Ићи на живце

Pronunciation: [ići na živce]

Literal Translation:"To go on someone's nerves"

Meaning:To irritate someone persistently.

Example:

Та бука ми страшно иде на живце.

That noise really gets on my nerves.

#99

Ухватити маглу

Pronunciation: [uhvatiti maglu]

Literal Translation:"To catch the fog"

Meaning:To slip away quietly before trouble arrives.

Example:

Кад је стигла полиција, он је већ ухватио маглу.

By the time the police arrived they had already slipped away.

#100

Пецати у мутном

Pronunciation: [pecati u mutnom]

Literal Translation:"To fish in murky water"

Meaning:To profit from confusion and disorder.

Example:

У кризи многи пецају у мутном.

In a crisis many fish in troubled waters.

#101

Проћи као бос по трњу

Pronunciation: [proći kao bos po trnju]

Literal Translation:"To get through like a barefoot man over thorns"

Meaning:To come out of something very badly indeed.

Example:

У тој инвестицији прошао је као бос по трњу.

They came off very badly in that investment.

#102

Глув као топ

Pronunciation: [gluv kao top]

Literal Translation:"Deaf as a cannon"

Meaning:Completely deaf, or refusing to hear anything.

Example:

Вичем му већ пет минута, а он глув као топ.

I've been shouting at them for five minutes and they're stone deaf.

#103

Лагати као пас

Pronunciation: [lagati kao pas]

Literal Translation:"To lie like a dog"

Meaning:To lie shamelessly and without a flicker of conscience.

Example:

Не веруј му, лаже као пас.

Don't believe them, they lie through their teeth.

#104

Пушити као Турчин

Pronunciation: [pušiti kao turčin]

Literal Translation:"To smoke like a Turk"

Meaning:To smoke very heavily.

Example:

Пушио је као Турчин док није престао.

They smoked like a chimney until they quit.

#105

Скинути звезде с неба

Pronunciation: [skinuti zvezde s neba]

Literal Translation:"To take the stars down from the sky"

Meaning:To be ready to do anything at all for someone you love.

Example:

За њу би скинуо звезде с неба.

For her they would take the stars down from the sky.

#106

Прећи преко нечега

Pronunciation: [preći preko nečega]

Literal Translation:"To pass over something"

Meaning:To let something go instead of holding it against someone.

Example:

Овај пут ћу прећи преко тога.

I'll let it go this time.

#107

Бацити копље у трње

Pronunciation: [baciti koplje u trnje]

Literal Translation:"To throw the spear into the thorns"

Meaning:To abandon an effort and give up on it entirely.

Example:

После толико неуспеха бацио је копље у трње.

After so many failures they threw in the towel.

#108

Трљати руке

Pronunciation: [trljati ruke]

Literal Translation:"To rub one's hands"

Meaning:To gloat quietly over a turn of events that suits you.

Example:

Конкуренти трљају руке због нашег пропуста.

Our competitors are rubbing their hands over our slip.

#109

Не видети даље од носа

Pronunciation: [ne videti dalje od nosa]

Literal Translation:"Not to see further than one's nose"

Meaning:To be unable to think beyond the immediate moment.

Example:

У планирању не види даље од носа.

When it comes to planning they can't see past their own nose.

#110

Имати дугачак језик

Pronunciation: [imati dugačak jezik]

Literal Translation:"To have a long tongue"

Meaning:To talk too much and give away what should stay private.

Example:

Немој му ништа говорити, има дугачак језик.

Don't tell them anything, they have a long tongue.

#111

Ићи уз длаку

Pronunciation: [ići uz dlaku]

Literal Translation:"To go against the fur"

Meaning:To rub someone the wrong way by contradicting them.

Example:

Свака његова примедба иде шефу уз длаку.

Every remark of theirs rubs the boss the wrong way.

#112

Дићи буру

Pronunciation: [dići buru]

Literal Translation:"To raise a storm"

Meaning:To provoke a loud public outcry.

Example:

Његова изјава је дигла буру у јавности.

Their statement caused a public storm.

#113

Продати рог за свећу

Pronunciation: [prodati rog za sveću]

Literal Translation:"To sell a horn as a candle"

Meaning:To pass off something worthless as valuable.

Example:

Покушао је да нам прода рог за свећу.

They tried to sell us a pup.

#114

Ставити некога на своје место

Pronunciation: [staviti nekoga na svoje mesto]

Literal Translation:"To put someone in their place"

Meaning:To check someone who has overstepped the mark.

Example:

Мирно га је ставила на своје место.

She calmly put him in his place.

#115

Бити на коњу

Pronunciation: [biti na konju]

Literal Translation:"To be on the horse"

Meaning:To be doing very well, with the worst safely behind you.

Example:

Ако добијемо тај уговор, на коњу смо.

If we land that contract, we're home and dry.

#116

Ставити тачку на и

Pronunciation: [staviti tačku na i]

Literal Translation:"To put the dot on the i"

Meaning:To settle the last detail and leave nothing unclear.

Example:

Хајде да ставимо тачку на и пре потписивања.

Let's dot the i's before we sign.

#117

Ићи низ воду

Pronunciation: [ići niz vodu]

Literal Translation:"To go down the water"

Meaning:To go steadily downhill and fall apart.

Example:

Без улагања цела фирма иде низ воду.

Without investment the whole company is going downhill.

#118

Наврат-нанос

Pronunciation: [navrat-nanos]

Literal Translation:"Head over heels"

Meaning:In a headlong rush, with no preparation.

Example:

Спаковали смо се наврат-нанос и кренули.

We packed in a headlong rush and set off.

#119

Расти као из воде

Pronunciation: [rasti kao iz vode]

Literal Translation:"To grow as if out of water"

Meaning:To grow remarkably fast.

Example:

Деца расту као из воде.

The children are shooting up.

#120

Држати некога за реч

Pronunciation: [držati nekoga za reč]

Literal Translation:"To hold someone to their word"

Meaning:To insist that someone does exactly what they promised.

Example:

Држим те за реч, видимо се у понедељак.

I'm holding you to your word, see you on Monday.

#121

Бити трећи точак

Pronunciation: [biti treći točak]

Literal Translation:"To be the third wheel"

Meaning:To be the unwanted extra person in company.

Example:

С њима двома се осећам као трећи точак.

With those two I feel like a third wheel.

#122

Изгубити компас

Pronunciation: [izgubiti kompas]

Literal Translation:"To lose the compass"

Meaning:To lose all sense of direction in life or work.

Example:

После тог губитка потпуно је изгубио компас.

After that loss they completely lost their bearings.

#123

Заграбити пуном шаком

Pronunciation: [zagrabiti punom šakom]

Literal Translation:"To scoop with a full hand"

Meaning:To take generously and without holding back.

Example:

Из те библиотеке смо заграбили пуном шаком.

We drew on that library to the full.

#124

Отићи у ветар

Pronunciation: [otići u vetar]

Literal Translation:"To go into the wind"

Meaning:To be wasted entirely, leaving nothing to show.

Example:

Сав тај труд је отишао у ветар.

All that effort went to waste.

#125

Ни по бабу ни по стричевима

Pronunciation: [ni po babu ni po stričevima]

Literal Translation:"Neither for father nor for uncles"

Meaning:Impartially, without favouring anyone.

Example:

Судиће се ни по бабу ни по стричевима.

Judgement will be passed without fear or favour.

#126

Држати се као пијан плота

Pronunciation: [držati se kao pijan plota]

Literal Translation:"To cling like a drunk to a fence"

Meaning:To cling stubbornly to an idea against all reason.

Example:

Држи се те идеје као пијан плота.

They cling to that idea come what may.

#127

Обрати зелен бостан

Pronunciation: [obrati zelen bostan]

Literal Translation:"To pick unripe melons"

Meaning:To come off badly and pay for a bad decision.

Example:

Ако потпишеш то, обрао си зелен бостан.

If you sign that, you're in for a rough ride.

#128

Ко о чему, баба о уштипцима

Pronunciation: [ko o čemu, baba o uštipcima]

Literal Translation:"Everyone about something, grandma about doughnuts"

Meaning:Said of someone who steers every conversation back to their one topic.

Example:

Ко о чему, баба о уштипцима — опет прича о аутима.

There they go again — back to talking about cars.

#129

Пала му секира у мед

Pronunciation: [pala mu sekira u med]

Literal Translation:"His axe fell into honey"

Meaning:To have a stroke of unexpected good fortune.

Example:

С том понудом му је пала секира у мед.

With that offer they struck it lucky.

#130

Наћи се између чекића и наковња

Pronunciation: [naći se između čekića i nakovnja]

Literal Translation:"To be caught between the hammer and the anvil"

Meaning:To be trapped between two equally bad options.

Example:

Нашао сам се између чекића и наковња.

I found myself between a rock and a hard place.

#131

Бити го као пиштољ

Pronunciation: [biti go kao pištolj]

Literal Translation:"To be as bare as a pistol"

Meaning:To be completely broke.

Example:

До плате сам го као пиштољ.

Until payday I'm flat broke.

#132

Увијати се као гуја у процепу

Pronunciation: [uvijati se kao guja u procepu]

Literal Translation:"To writhe like a snake in a cleft"

Meaning:To squirm and dodge under uncomfortable questioning.

Example:

На саслушању се увијао као гуја у процепу.

At the hearing they squirmed under every question.

#133

Пружиш прст, узме целу руку

Pronunciation: [pružiš prst, uzme celu ruku]

Literal Translation:"You offer a finger, they take the whole arm"

Meaning:Said of someone who abuses every concession you make.

Example:

Њему пружиш прст, а он узме целу руку.

Give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

#134

Бити чист као суза

Pronunciation: [biti čist kao suza]

Literal Translation:"To be clean as a tear"

Meaning:To be entirely innocent, with nothing to reproach.

Example:

Провера је показала да је чист као суза.

The check showed they were completely in the clear.

#135

Спавати на ловорикама

Pronunciation: [spavati na lovorikama]

Literal Translation:"To sleep on one's laurels"

Meaning:To coast on past success instead of pushing on.

Example:

После те победе почели су да спавају на ловорикама.

After that win they started resting on their laurels.

#136

Бити на црној листи

Pronunciation: [biti na crnoj listi]

Literal Translation:"To be on the black list"

Meaning:To be marked as unwelcome and shut out.

Example:

После тог инцидента је на црној листи.

After that incident they're on the blacklist.

#137

Гурнути главу у песак

Pronunciation: [gurnuti glavu u pesak]

Literal Translation:"To push one's head into the sand"

Meaning:To refuse to face a problem in the hope it goes away.

Example:

Не гурај главу у песак, дуг неће нестати сам.

Don't bury your head in the sand, the debt won't vanish by itself.

#138

Заврнути рукаве

Pronunciation: [zavrnuti rukave]

Literal Translation:"To roll up one's sleeves"

Meaning:To set to work in earnest.

Example:

Време је да заврнемо рукаве.

It's time we rolled up our sleeves.

#139

Пасти у воду

Pronunciation: [pasti u vodu]

Literal Translation:"To fall into the water"

Meaning:For a plan to fall through at the last moment.

Example:

Због кише је цео излет пао у воду.

Because of the rain the whole trip fell through.

#140

Не остати дужан

Pronunciation: [ne ostati dužan]

Literal Translation:"Not to remain in debt"

Meaning:To answer back in kind rather than let something pass.

Example:

Одбрусила му је и није остала дужна.

She snapped back and gave as good as she got.

🧠 Match Idioms Quiz

Drag or click to match the idiom with its correct meaning.

Пасти са крушке
Шпанска села
Око за око, зуб за зуб
Крити као змија ноге
Куповати мачку у џаку

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I learn Serbian idioms?

Idioms help you understand natural conversations and sound more like a native speaker. They are the key to unlocking intermediate and advanced comprehension.

How do I practice these idioms?

Try reading the examples out loud, listening to the pronunciation using the audio play button, and testing your knowledge in our interactive matching quiz below.