40 Essential Slovak Idioms to Master
Level up your fluency. Explore the top 40 common idioms in Slovak, complete with literal translations, real-life conversation examples, and audio playback.
Naliať si čistého vína
Pronunciation: [naʎiat͡s si t͡ʃisteːɦo viːna]
Literal Translation:"To pour oneself clean wine"
Meaning:To tell the honest, unvarnished truth.
Je čas naliať si čistého vína a povedať pravdu.
It is time to be completely honest and tell the truth.
Hádzať hrach na stenu
Pronunciation: [ɦaːd͡zat͡s ɦrax na stenu]
Literal Translation:"To throw peas at a wall"
Meaning:To waste words on someone who is not listening.
Hovoriť mu to je ako hádzať hrach na stenu.
Telling him is like talking to a brick wall.
Vziať nohy na plecia
Pronunciation: [vziat͡s noɦi na plet͡sia]
Literal Translation:"To take legs on shoulders"
Meaning:To run away or escape as fast as possible.
Keď zbadal nebezpečenstvo, vzal nohy na plecia.
When he noticed danger, he ran away as fast as he could.
Kúpiť mačku vo vreci
Pronunciation: [kuːpit͡s mat͡ʃku vo vret͡si]
Literal Translation:"To buy a cat in a sack"
Meaning:To buy something without inspecting it first.
Daj si pozor, aby si nekúpil mačku vo vreci.
Be careful not to buy a pig in a poke.
Trafiť klinec po hlavičke
Pronunciation: [trafiť kliɲet͡s po ɦlaʋit͡ʃke]
Literal Translation:"To hit the nail on the head"
Meaning:To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.
Svojou poznámkou trafil klinec po hlavičke.
With his comment, he hit the nail right on the head.
Mať maslo na hlave
Pronunciation: [mať maslo na ɦlaʋe]
Literal Translation:"To have butter on one's head"
Meaning:To have a guilty conscience or a flawed record.
Nemal by kritizovať druhých, keď sám má maslo na hlave.
He shouldn't criticize others when he himself has a guilty conscience.
Chodiť okolo horúcej kaše
Pronunciation: [xɔɟiť ɔkɔlɔ ɦɔruːt͡sɛj kaʃɛ]
Literal Translation:"To walk around hot porridge"
Meaning:To avoid talking directly about an unpleasant topic; beat around the bush.
Nechoď okolo horúcej kaše a povedz to priamo.
Don't beat around the bush and say it directly.
Bez práce nie sú koláče
Pronunciation: [bɛs praːt͡sɛ ɲiɛ suː kɔlaːt͡ʃɛ]
Literal Translation:"Without work there are no cakes"
Meaning:Success and rewards require hard work and effort.
Ak chceš uspieť na skúške, musíš sa učiť, lebo bez práce nie sú koláče.
If you want to pass the exam, you must study, because there is no gain without pain.
Dvakrát meraj a raz rež
Pronunciation: [dʋakraːt mɛraj a ras rɛʃ]
Literal Translation:"Measure twice and cut once"
Meaning:Think carefully and prepare thoroughly before taking decisive action.
Pred podpisom zmluvy dvakrát meraj a raz rež.
Before signing the contract, measure twice and cut once.
Kto druhému jamu kope, sám do nej spadne
Pronunciation: [ktɔ druɦɛːmu jamu kɔpɛ saːm dɔ ɲɛj spadnɛ]
Literal Translation:"He who digs a pit for another falls into it himself"
Meaning:Plots made against others often backfire on the plotter.
Chcel mu uškodiť, ale sám prišiel o prácu; kto druhému jamu kope, sám do nej spadne.
He tried to harm him but lost his own job; harm watch, harm catch.
Tichá voda brehy myje
Pronunciation: [tixaː vɔda brɛɦi mijɛ]
Literal Translation:"Quiet water washes the riverbanks"
Meaning:Quiet or calm people can be deceptively capable or have hidden depths.
Peter pôsobí nesmelo, ale tichá voda brehy myje.
Peter seems shy, but still waters run deep.
Zabiť dve muchy jednou ranou
Pronunciation: [zabiť dʋɛ muxi jɛdnɔu̯ ranɔu̯]
Literal Translation:"To kill two flies with one blow"
Meaning:To achieve two things with a single action.
Kúpou tohto lístka zabijeme dve muchy jednou ranou.
By buying this ticket, we'll kill two birds with one stone.
Ťahať za jeden povraz
Pronunciation: [ťahať za jɛdɛn pɔvras]
Literal Translation:"To pull on one rope"
Meaning:To cooperate and work together toward a common goal.
Ak chceme uspieť, musíme všetci ťahať za jeden povraz.
If we want to succeed, we all have to pull together.
Strkať nos do cudzích vecí
Pronunciation: [str̩kať nɔs dɔ t͡sudziːx vɛt͡siː]
Literal Translation:"To stick nose into other people's things"
Meaning:To meddle in matters that do not concern one.
Nestrkaj nos do cudzích vecí a staraj sa o seba.
Don't poke your nose into other people's business and mind yourself.
Mať oči na stopkách
Pronunciation: [mať ɔt͡ʃi na stɔpkaːx]
Literal Translation:"To have eyes on stalks"
Meaning:To be extremely alert, watchful, and observant.
V noci na neznámej ceste musel mať oči na stopkách.
At night on an unfamiliar road, he had to keep his eyes peeled.
Hádzať perly sviniam
Pronunciation: [ɦaːd͡zať pɛrli sʋiɲam]
Literal Translation:"To throw pearls to pigs"
Meaning:To offer valuable things or advice to people who cannot appreciate them.
Vysvetľovať im umenie bolo ako hádzať perly sviniam.
Explaining art to them was like casting pearls before swine.
Ranné vtáča ďalej doskáče
Pronunciation: [ranːɛː ftaːt͡ʃa ɟalɛj dɔskaːt͡ʃɛ]
Literal Translation:"The early bird hops further"
Meaning:Early risers and proactive people have a greater chance of success.
Vstávam o šiestej ráno, lebo ranné vtáča ďalej doskáče.
I get up at six in the morning, because the early bird catches the worm.
Kto skôr príde, ten skôr melie
Pronunciation: [ktɔ sku̯ɔr priːdɛ tɛn sku̯ɔr mɛʎiɛ]
Literal Translation:"Who comes earlier, that one mills earlier"
Meaning:Those who arrive or act first receive preference; first come, first served.
Počet lístkov je obmedzený, takže kto skôr príde, ten skôr melie.
Tickets are limited, so it's first come, first served.
Kvapka v mori
Pronunciation: [kʋapka v mɔri]
Literal Translation:"A drop in the sea"
Meaning:A tiny, insignificant amount compared to what is needed.
Tento príspevok je len kvapka v mori, ale aj tak pomôže.
This contribution is just a drop in the ocean, but it will still help.
Vyjsť na psí tridsiatok
Pronunciation: [vijsť na psiː trit͡siatɔk]
Literal Translation:"To come out to the dog's thirtieth"
Meaning:To end in ruin, poverty, or complete failure.
Po krachu podniku vyšiel na psí tridsiatok.
After the business collapsed, he fell on very hard times.
Obrátiť list
Pronunciation: [ɔbraːtiť list]
Literal Translation:"To turn the page"
Meaning:To make a fresh start or leave past mistakes behind.
Po všetkých problémoch sa rozhodol obrátiť list.
After all the problems, he decided to turn over a new leaf.
Vziať rozum do hrsti
Pronunciation: [vziať rɔzum dɔ ɦr̩sti]
Literal Translation:"To take intellect into one's fist"
Meaning:To start thinking sensibly and act rationally.
Je čas vziať rozum do hrsti a nájsť rozumné riešenie.
It's time to gather one's wits and find a reasonable solution.
Položiť karty na stôl
Pronunciation: [pɔlɔʒiť karti na stu̯ɔl]
Literal Translation:"To lay cards on the table"
Meaning:To reveal one's true plans or intentions openly.
Rozhodli sa položiť karty na stôl a povedať si všetko.
They decided to put their cards on the table and tell each other everything.
Bojovať s veternými mlynmi
Pronunciation: [bɔjɔʋať s vɛtɛrniːmi mlinmi]
Literal Translation:"To fight with windmills"
Meaning:To struggle in vain against insurmountable or imaginary obstacles.
Snažiť sa zmeniť byrokraciu je ako bojovať s veternými mlynmi.
Trying to change bureaucracy is like tilting at windmills.
Stúpiť niekomu na otlak
Pronunciation: [stuːpiť ɲiɛkɔmu na ɔtlak]
Literal Translation:"To step on someone's callus"
Meaning:To offend or hurt someone by touching on a sensitive topic.
Tou otázkou o peniazoch mu stúpil na otlak.
With that question about money, he stepped on his toes.
Sedieť na dvoch stoličkách
Pronunciation: [sɛɟɛť na dʋɔx stɔʎit͡ʃkaːx]
Literal Translation:"To sit on two chairs"
Meaning:To try to maintain two incompatible positions or loyalties at once.
Nemôžeš sedieť na dvoch stoličkách a sľubovať vernosť obom stranám.
You cannot sit on two chairs and promise loyalty to both sides.
Zavesiť remeslo na klinec
Pronunciation: [zaʋɛsiť rɛmɛslɔ na kliɲɛt͡s]
Literal Translation:"To hang the craft on a nail"
Meaning:To retire or permanently stop practicing one's trade or profession.
Po tridsiatich rokoch práce sa rozhodol zavesiť remeslo na klinec.
After thirty years of work, he decided to hang up his boots.
Nosiť drevo do lesa
Pronunciation: [nɔsiť drɛʋɔ dɔ lɛsa]
Literal Translation:"To carry wood into the forest"
Meaning:To do something utterly pointless or superfluous; carry coals to Newcastle.
Kupovať mu ďalšiu knihu je ako nosiť drevo do lesa, veď má vlastnú knižnicu.
Buying him another book is like carrying coals to Newcastle, since he has his own library.
Mať plné zuby
Pronunciation: [mať pl̩nɛː zubi]
Literal Translation:"To have full teeth"
Meaning:To be thoroughly fed up or sick and tired of something.
Mám už plné zuby tvojich výhovoriek.
I've had it up to here with your excuses.
Prejsť niekomu cez rozum
Pronunciation: [prɛjsc ɲiɛkɔmu t͡sɛz rɔzum]
Literal Translation:"To cross over someone's intellect"
Meaning:To outsmart or trick someone cunningly.
Mladý obchodník prešiel skúsenejšiemu konkurentovi cez rozum.
The young merchant managed to outsmart his more experienced competitor.
Spadnúť z jahody
Pronunciation: [spadnuːť z jaɦɔdi]
Literal Translation:"To fall from a strawberry"
Meaning:To be completely naive, disoriented, or out of touch with reality.
Ty si spadol z jahody, keď veríš takým rozprávkam?
Did you just fall from the moon, believing such fairy tales?
Plávať proti prúdu
Pronunciation: [plaːʋať prɔti pruːdu]
Literal Translation:"To swim against the stream"
Meaning:To go against popular opinion, norms, or widespread trends.
Nebál sa plávať proti prúdu a presadzovať svoje myšlienky.
He was not afraid to swim against the tide and promote his ideas.
Mať z pekla šťastie
Pronunciation: [mať s pɛkla ʃcascɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have luck from hell"
Meaning:To experience extraordinary, incredible good luck in a dangerous or difficult situation.
Pri tej nehode mal z pekla šťastie a vyviazol bez zranenia.
In that accident, he had the devil's own luck and walked away uninjured.
Sypať si popol na hlavu
Pronunciation: [sipať si pɔpɔl na ɦlaʋu]
Literal Translation:"To pour ashes onto one's head"
Meaning:To openly admit one's wrongdoing and show deep remorse.
Namiesto výhovoriek si sypal popol na hlavu a priznal chybu.
Instead of excuses, he poured ashes on his head and admitted the error.
Vidieť svet cez ružové okuliare
Pronunciation: [viɟɛť sʋɛt t͡sɛz ruʒɔʋɛː ɔkuʎiarɛ]
Literal Translation:"To see the world through rose glasses"
Meaning:To view reality with unrealistic, naive optimism.
Mladí ľudia často vidia svet cez ružové okuliare.
Young people often look at the world through rose-tinted glasses.
Zatínať do živého
Pronunciation: [zatiːnať dɔ ʒiʋɛːɦɔ]
Literal Translation:"To cut into the living flesh"
Meaning:To touch a profoundly painful or sensitive matter.
Jeho kritika zatínala do živého a nikto nevedel odpovedať.
His criticism cut to the quick and no one knew how to reply.
Žiť z ruky do úst
Pronunciation: [ʒiť z ruki dɔ uːst]
Literal Translation:"To live from hand to mouth"
Meaning:To have barely enough money to survive day by day.
Mnohé chudobné rodiny musia žiť z ruky do úst.
Many poor families have to live from hand to mouth.
Utiahnuť si opasok
Pronunciation: [uciaɦnuť si ɔpasɔk]
Literal Translation:"To tighten one's belt"
Meaning:To spend less money and live more economically.
V čase krízy si musíme všetci utiahnuť opasok.
In times of crisis, we all need to tighten our belts.
Chytiť býka za rohy
Pronunciation: [xiciť biːka za rɔɦi]
Literal Translation:"To catch the bull by the horns"
Meaning:To tackle a difficult situation directly and courageously.
Prestal váhať, chytil býka za rohy a rozbehol vlastný projekt.
He stopped hesitating, took the bull by the horns, and launched his project.
Mútiť vodu
Pronunciation: [muːciť vɔdu]
Literal Translation:"To muddy the water"
Meaning:To create confusion, intrigue, or stir up unnecessary trouble.
Prestaň mútiť vodu a nechaj nás v pokoji pracovať.
Stop stirring up trouble and let us work in peace.
Vidieť aj trávu rásť
Pronunciation: [viɟɛť aj traːʋu raːsť]
Literal Translation:"To see even the grass grow"
Meaning:To be excessively suspicious or overly perceptive about tiny details.
Je taký podozrievavý, že vidí aj trávu rásť.
He is so suspicious that he imagines things that aren't even there.
Mať ťažké srdce na niekoho
Pronunciation: [mať caʃkɛː sr̩t͡sɛ na ɲiɛkɔɦɔ]
Literal Translation:"To have a heavy heart on someone"
Meaning:To bear a grudge or feel bitter resentment toward someone.
Dlho mal na brata ťažké srdce kvôli dedičstvu.
He held a grudge against his brother for a long time over the inheritance.
Vyjsť s pravdou von
Pronunciation: [vijsť s praʋdɔu̯ vɔn]
Literal Translation:"To come out with the truth"
Meaning:To openly disclose the hidden truth.
Nakoniec musel vyjsť s pravdou von a priznať celú pravdu.
In the end he had to come clean and confess everything.
Spadnúť kameň zo srdca
Pronunciation: [spadnuːť kamɛɲ zɔ sr̩t͡sa]
Literal Translation:"A stone falls from the heart"
Meaning:To feel an immense sense of relief after worry or fear.
Keď zistila, že je v poriadku, spadol jej kameň zo srdca.
When she found out he was fine, a huge weight fell off her chest.
Vyčistiť niekomu žalúdok
Pronunciation: [vit͡ʃisciť ɲiɛkɔmu ʒaluːdɔk]
Literal Translation:"To clean someone's stomach"
Meaning:To scold someone severely or give them a fierce reprimand.
Šéf mu poriadne vyčistil žalúdok za oneskorenie.
The boss gave him a serious dressing-down for the delay.
Držať palce
Pronunciation: [dr̩ʒať palt͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To hold thumbs"
Meaning:To wish someone good luck and success.
Zajtra máš pohovor, budem ti veľmi držať palce.
You have an interview tomorrow, I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Kúpiť zajaca vo vreci
Pronunciation: [kuːpiť zajat͡sa vɔ vrɛt͡si]
Literal Translation:"To buy a hare in a sack"
Meaning:To purchase something sight unseen without checking quality.
Auto pred kúpou dôkladne skontroluj, aby si nekúpil zajaca vo vreci.
Inspect the car thoroughly before buying so you don't buy a pig in a poke.
Jablko nepadá ďaleko od stromu
Pronunciation: [japlkɔ ɲɛpadaː ɟalɛkɔ ɔt strɔmu]
Literal Translation:"The apple does not fall far from the tree"
Meaning:Children often resemble their parents in behavior, traits, or habits.
Syn hrá futbal rovnako vášnivo ako otec; jablko nepadá ďaleko od stromu.
The son plays football as passionately as his father; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Čo sa za mladi naučíš, na starosť akoby si našiel
Pronunciation: [t͡ʃɔ sa za mlaɟi nau̯t͡ʃiːʃ na starɔsc akɔbi si naʃiɛl]
Literal Translation:"What you learn in youth, in old age as if you found it"
Meaning:Knowledge and skills acquired in youth will prove invaluable later in life.
Uč sa jazyky teraz; čo sa za mladi naučíš, na starosť akoby si našiel.
Study languages now; what you learn in youth pays dividends in old age.
Každý chvíľku ťahá pílku
Pronunciation: [kaʒdiː xʋiːʎku ťahaː piːlku]
Literal Translation:"Everyone pulls the saw for a moment"
Meaning:People should take turns and share burdens equally.
Pri upratovaní si pomáhame, veď každý chvíľku ťahá pílku.
We help each other during cleaning, as turn and turn about is fair play.
Vrana k vrane sadá, rovný rovného si hľadá
Pronunciation: [vrana g vranɛ sadaː rɔvniː rɔvnɛːɦɔ si ɦʎadaː]
Literal Translation:"Crow sits by crow, equal seeks equal"
Meaning:People with similar character and interests naturally seek each other out.
Rýchlo sa skamarátili, veď vrana k vrane sadá, rovný rovného si hľadá.
They quickly became friends, for birds of a feather flock together.
Koľko rečí vieš, toľkokrát si človekom
Pronunciation: [kɔʎkɔ rɛt͡ʃiː viɛʃ tɔʎkɔkraːt si t͡ʃlɔvɛkɔm]
Literal Translation:"How many languages you know, so many times you are human"
Meaning:Knowing foreign languages broadens one's perspective and humanity.
Oplatí sa študovať cudzí jazyk, lebo koľko rečí vieš, toľkokrát si človekom.
It pays to study foreign languages, for you live a new life for every language you speak.
Lepší vrabec v hrsti ako holub na streche
Pronunciation: [lɛpʃiː vrabɛt͡s v ɦr̩sci akɔ ɦɔlup na strɛxɛ]
Literal Translation:"Better a sparrow in the fist than a pigeon on the roof"
Meaning:It is wiser to accept a small guaranteed gain than chase an uncertain large one.
Radšej vezmem túto ponuku, lebo lepší vrabec v hrsti ako holub na streche.
I'd rather take this offer, because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Kto hľadá, ten nájde
Pronunciation: [ktɔ ɦʎadaː tɛn naːjdɛ]
Literal Translation:"Who seeks, that one finds"
Meaning:Persistence in searching or trying will eventually yield results.
Nevzdávaj sa pri hľadaní práce, kto hľadá, ten nájde.
Don't give up on your job hunt; seek and you shall find.
Trpezlivosť ruže prináša
Pronunciation: [tr̩pɛzʎivɔsc ruʒɛ prinaːʃa]
Literal Translation:"Patience brings roses"
Meaning:Patience and steady persistence eventually lead to fruitful rewards.
Počkaj ešte chvíľu, uvidíš, že trpezlivosť ruže prináša.
Wait a little longer; you will see that patience brings good things to those who wait.
Kto neseje, ten nežne
Pronunciation: [ktɔ ɲɛsɛjɛ tɛn ɲɛʒɲɛ]
Literal Translation:"Who does not sow, that one does not reap"
Meaning:Without initial investment or effort, you cannot expect any harvest or benefit.
Ak neinvestuješ čas do vzdelania, nečakaj úspech; kto neseje, ten nežne.
If you don't invest time in education, don't expect success; as you sow, so shall you reap.
Čas sú peniaze
Pronunciation: [t͡ʃas suː pɛɲiazɛ]
Literal Translation:"Time is money"
Meaning:Time is a precious resource that should not be wasted.
Musíme pracovať rýchlo a efektívne, pretože čas sú peniaze.
We must work quickly and efficiently because time is money.
Lož má krátke nohy
Pronunciation: [lɔʒ maː kraːtkɛː nɔɦi]
Literal Translation:"A lie has short legs"
Meaning:Deceit is quickly discovered and cannot carry you far.
Pravda vyšla najavo už na druhý deň, lebo lož má krátke nohy.
The truth came out the very next day, because lies have short legs.
Nechváľ deň pred večerom
Pronunciation: [ɲɛxʋaːʎ ɟɛɲ prɛd vɛt͡ʃɛrɔm]
Literal Translation:"Do not praise the day before evening"
Meaning:Do not celebrate or judge a situation prematurely before it is completely finished.
Ešte sme nevyhrali, tak nechváľ deň pred večerom.
We haven't won yet, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Zvyk je železná košeľa
Pronunciation: [zvik jɛ ʒɛlɛznaː kɔʃɛʎa]
Literal Translation:"Habit is an iron shirt"
Meaning:Deep-seated habits are extremely tough and hard to change.
Ťažko sa mu menil denný režim, lebo zvyk je železná košeľa.
It was hard for him to change his daily routine because old habits die hard.
Kovať železo, kým je horúce
Pronunciation: [kɔʋať ʒɛlɛzɔ kiːm jɛ ɦɔruːt͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To forge iron while it is hot"
Meaning:To take immediate advantage of a favorable opportunity.
Klient má záujem, musíme kovať železo, kým je horúce.
The client is interested; we need to strike while the iron is hot.
Prázdny sud najviac duní
Pronunciation: [praːzdniː sut najʋiat͡s duɲiː]
Literal Translation:"An empty barrel booms the loudest"
Meaning:People with little knowledge or substance often boast and talk the loudest.
Veľa rozpráva, ale ničomu nerozumie; prázdny sud najviac duní.
He talks a lot but understands nothing; empty vessels make the most sound.
Priateľ v núdzi sa pozná
Pronunciation: [priatɛʎ v nuːd͡zi sa pɔznaː]
Literal Translation:"A friend is known in need"
Meaning:True loyalty and friendship are proven during hard times.
Keď som ochorel, pomohol mi; priateľ v núdzi sa pozná.
When I got sick, he helped me; a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Strach má veľké oči
Pronunciation: [strax maː vɛʎkɛː ɔt͡ʃi]
Literal Translation:"Fear has big eyes"
Meaning:Fear exaggerates real danger and makes obstacles seem worse than they are.
Bál sa skúšky, ale strach má veľké oči a zvládol ju hravo.
He feared the exam, but fear has big eyes and he passed easily.
Darovanému koňovi na zuby nepozeraj
Pronunciation: [darɔʋanɛːmu kɔɲɔʋi na zubi ɲɛpɔzɛraj]
Literal Translation:"Do not look at the teeth of a gifted horse"
Meaning:Accept a gift graciously without looking for flaws.
Darček sa mu síce celkom nepáčil, ale darovanému koňovi na zuby nepozeraj.
He didn't quite like the present, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Ryba smrdí od hlavy
Pronunciation: [riba smr̩diː ɔd ɦlaʋi]
Literal Translation:"A fish stinks from the head"
Meaning:Problems in an organization begin with leadership and management.
Ak firma zlyháva, netreba viniť zamestnancov; ryba smrdí od hlavy.
If the company fails, don't blame the workers; a fish rots from the head down.
Pod lampou býva najväčšia tma
Pronunciation: [pɔd lampɔu̯ biːʋa najʋat͡ʃʃia tma]
Literal Translation:"Under the lamp there is the greatest darkness"
Meaning:Things closest to us are often the hardest to notice or see clearly.
Hľadal kľúče všade a ležali na stole; pod lampou býva najväčšia tma.
He searched everywhere for the keys and they were on the table; the darkest place is under the candlestick.
Bližšia košeľa ako kabát
Pronunciation: [bliʃʃia kɔʃɛʎa akɔ kabaːt]
Literal Translation:"The shirt is closer than the coat"
Meaning:One's own interests and close family take priority over others.
Najprv pomohol rodine, veď bližšia košeľa ako kabát.
He helped his family first, as charity begins at home.
Robiť z komára somára
Pronunciation: [rɔbiť s kɔmaːra sɔmaːra]
Literal Translation:"To make a donkey out of a mosquito"
Meaning:To exaggerate a petty issue into a major crisis; make a mountain out of a molehill.
Nebolo to nič vážne, nerob z komára somára.
It wasn't anything serious, don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
Padnúť niekomu do oka
Pronunciation: [padnuːť ɲiɛkɔmu dɔ ɔka]
Literal Translation:"To fall into someone's eye"
Meaning:To attract someone's favorable attention or appeal to someone immediately.
Táto farebná bunda mi hneď padla do oka.
This colorful jacket immediately caught my eye.
Mať za ušami
Pronunciation: [mať za uʃami]
Literal Translation:"To have behind the ears"
Meaning:To be clever, shrewd, and cunning.
Ten malý chlapec má poriadne za ušami.
That little boy is sharp as a tack.
Hrať na dve strany
Pronunciation: [ɦrať na dʋɛ strani]
Literal Translation:"To play on two sides"
Meaning:To act deceptively by maintaining allegiance to two opposing factions.
Zistili, že hrá na dve strany a stratil dôveru oboch.
They found out he was playing both sides and he lost everyone's trust.
Mať obidve ruky ľavé
Pronunciation: [mať ɔbidʋɛ ruki ʎaʋɛː]
Literal Translation:"To have both hands left"
Meaning:To be completely clumsy and unhandy with manual work.
Pri oprave nábytku zistil, že má obidve ruky ľavé.
When fixing the furniture, he found out he was all thumbs.
Stratiť hlavu
Pronunciation: [straciť ɦlaʋu]
Literal Translation:"To lose the head"
Meaning:To panic and lose self-control or clarity of thought.
V krízovej situácii nestratil hlavu a pomohol ostatným.
In a crisis situation he did not lose his head and helped others.
Mať jazyk za zubami
Pronunciation: [mať jazik za zubami]
Literal Translation:"To have tongue behind teeth"
Meaning:To keep a secret and stay silent.
Ak chceš, aby ti verili, maj jazyk za zubami.
If you want them to trust you, hold your tongue.
Priložiť ruku k dielu
Pronunciation: [prilɔʒiť ruku g ɟiɛlu]
Literal Translation:"To put hand to work"
Meaning:To participate actively and help get work done.
Všetci susedia priložili ruku k dielu a park bol rýchlo uprataný.
All neighbors pitched in and the park was quickly cleaned.
Ťahať za kratší koniec
Pronunciation: [ťahať za kratʃiː kɔɲɛt͡s]
Literal Translation:"To pull by the shorter end"
Meaning:To be at a disadvantage or lose out in a struggle.
V spore s veľkou firmou ťahal malý živnostník za kratší koniec.
In the dispute with the large corporation, the small trader got the short end of the stick.
Byť z jedného cesta
Pronunciation: [biť z jɛdnɛːɦɔ t͡sɛsta]
Literal Translation:"To be from the same dough"
Meaning:To have very similar temperament, background, or character.
Obaja bratia sú z jedného cesta, rovnako tvrdohlaví.
Both brothers are cut from the same cloth, equally stubborn.
Mať zviazané ruky
Pronunciation: [mať zʋiazanɛː ruki]
Literal Translation:"To have tied hands"
Meaning:To be powerless or prevented by rules and circumstances from taking action.
Rád by som ti pomohol, ale predpisy mi zväzujú ruky.
I'd love to help you, but regulations tie my hands.
Ísť hlavou proti múru
Pronunciation: [iːsť ɦlaʋɔu̯ prɔti muːru]
Literal Translation:"To go with the head against a wall"
Meaning:To pursue an impossible goal stubbornly despite clear futility.
Nemá zmysel ísť hlavou proti múru, skúsme iný prístup.
There is no point in banging your head against a brick wall; let's try another approach.
Mať niečo na jazyku
Pronunciation: [mať ɲiɛt͡ʃɔ na jaziku]
Literal Translation:"To have something on the tongue"
Meaning:To be on the verge of remembering or saying a specific word.
Ako sa volá ten film? Mám to na jazyku!
What is that movie called? It's on the tip of my tongue!
Obracať každý cent
Pronunciation: [ɔbrat͡sať kaʒdiː t͡sɛnt]
Literal Translation:"To turn every cent"
Meaning:To live very frugally and spend money with utmost caution; pinch pennies.
Kým študovala na univerzite, musela obracať každý cent.
While studying at the university, she had to pinch every penny.
Stavať vzdušné zámky
Pronunciation: [staʋať vzduʃnɛː zaːmki]
Literal Translation:"To build airy castles"
Meaning:To daydream or make unrealistic plans that have no foundation in reality.
Namiesto práce len sedí a stavia vzdušné zámky.
Instead of working, he just sits and builds castles in the air.
Mať srdce na dlani
Pronunciation: [mať sr̩t͡sɛ na dʎaɲi]
Literal Translation:"To have heart on the palm"
Meaning:To be exceptionally kind, open, sincere, and generous.
Naša stará mama má srdce na dlani a pomáha každému.
Our grandmother has her heart on her sleeve and helps everyone.
Otvoriť niekomu oči
Pronunciation: [ɔtvɔriť ɲiɛkɔmu ɔt͡ʃi]
Literal Translation:"To open someone's eyes"
Meaning:To make someone realize the truth about a person or situation.
Táto nepríjemná skúsenosť mu konečne otvorila oči.
This unpleasant experience finally opened his eyes.
Zamiesť pod koberec
Pronunciation: [zamjɛsť pɔt kɔbɛrɛt͡s]
Literal Translation:"To sweep under the carpet"
Meaning:To hide or ignore an embarrassing problem instead of resolving it.
Vedenie sa pokúsilo škandál zamiesť pod koberec.
The management tried to sweep the scandal under the rug.
Byť v siedmom nebi
Pronunciation: [biť f siɛdmɔm ɲɛbi]
Literal Translation:"To be in the seventh heaven"
Meaning:To feel extremely blissful, joyous, and satisfied.
Keď vyhral súťaž, bol v siedmom nebi.
When he won the contest, he was in seventh heaven.
Mať plné ruky práce
Pronunciation: [mať pl̩nɛː ruki praːt͡sɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have hands full of work"
Meaning:To be extremely busy with numerous tasks.
Pred sviatkami máme všetci plné ruky práce.
Before the holidays we all have our hands full.
Vidieť svetlo na konci tunela
Pronunciation: [viɟɛť sʋɛtlɔ na kɔnt͡si tuɲɛla]
Literal Translation:"To see light at the end of the tunnel"
Meaning:To notice signs of hope and improvement during a prolonged struggle.
Po mesiacoch krízy konečne vidíme svetlo na konci tunela.
After months of crisis, we finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
Brať si niečo k srdcu
Pronunciation: [brať si ɲiɛt͡ʃɔ k sr̩t͡su]
Literal Translation:"To take something to heart"
Meaning:To take advice seriously or be deeply emotionally affected by words.
Vzal si jej slová k srdcu a začal na sebe pracovať.
He took her words to heart and began improving himself.
Pustiť perie
Pronunciation: [pusciť pɛriɛ]
Literal Translation:"To let feathers go"
Meaning:To suffer a substantial financial loss or pay heavily for something.
Pri oprave auta musel poriadne pustiť perie.
For the car repair he had to pay an arm and a leg.
Šiť horúcou ihlou
Pronunciation: [ʃiť ɦɔruːt͡sɔu̯ iɦlɔu̯]
Literal Translation:"To sew with a hot needle"
Meaning:To do something hastily, carelessly, and without proper quality.
Tento zákon bol ušitý horúcou ihlou a obsahuje veľa chýb.
This law was cobbled together in a rush and contains many flaws.
Robiť účet bez hostinského
Pronunciation: [rɔbiť uːt͡ʃɛd bɛz ɦɔscinskɛːɦɔ]
Literal Translation:"To make bill without the innkeeper"
Meaning:To plan on a positive outcome while ignoring key decision-makers or realities.
Mysleli si, že vyhrajú ľahko, ale urobili účet bez hostinského.
They thought they would win easily, but they reckoned without their host.
Mať chrobáka v hlave
Pronunciation: [mať xrɔbaːka v ɦlaʋe]
Literal Translation:"To have a beetle in the head"
Meaning:To be preoccupied with a nagging problem or lingering puzzle.
Jej slová mi nasadili chrobáka do hlavy.
Her words gave me serious food for thought.
Nechať niekoho v štichu
Pronunciation: [ɲɛxať ɲiɛkɔɦɔ f ʃcixu]
Literal Translation:"To leave someone in the lurch"
Meaning:To abandon someone in a difficult situation without promised help.
Pravý kamarát ťa nikdy nenechá v štichu.
A true friend will never leave you in the lurch.
Zbaliť si svoje slivky
Pronunciation: [zbaʎiť si sʋɔjɛ sʎifki]
Literal Translation:"To pack one's plums"
Meaning:To pack one's belongings and leave suddenly.
Keď sa pohádali, zbalil si svoje slivky a odišiel.
When they argued, he packed his bags and left.
Byť na jednej lodi
Pronunciation: [biť na jɛdnɛj lɔɟi]
Literal Translation:"To be on one boat"
Meaning:To share the same difficult situation and common destiny.
V tejto kríze sme všetci na jednej lodi.
In this crisis, we are all in the same boat.
Zmiznúť ako para nad hrncom
Pronunciation: [zmiznuːť akɔ para nad ɦr̩nt͡sɔm]
Literal Translation:"To disappear like steam over a pot"
Meaning:To vanish instantly without leaving any trace.
Len čo uvidel policajta, zmizol ako para nad hrncom.
As soon as he saw the policeman, he vanished into thin air.
Zísť z očí, zísť z mysle
Pronunciation: [ziːsť z ɔt͡ʃiː ziːsť z mislɛ]
Literal Translation:"To go out of eyes, to go out of mind"
Meaning:People or things no longer present are quickly forgotten.
Po presťahovaní na neho zabudli; zísť z očí, zísť z mysle.
After moving away they forgot about him; out of sight, out of mind.
Dostať košom
Pronunciation: [dɔstať kɔʃɔm]
Literal Translation:"To receive by a basket"
Meaning:To be rejected in love or have a proposal turned down.
Pozval ju na večeru, ale dostal košom.
He invited her to dinner, but got turned down.
Klepnúť niekomu po prstoch
Pronunciation: [klɛpnuːť ɲiɛkɔmu pɔ pr̩stɔx]
Literal Translation:"To rap someone on the fingers"
Meaning:To discipline someone firmly to stop their wrongful behavior.
Súd klepol nečestnému podnikateľovi po prstoch.
The court gave the dishonest businessman a rap on the knuckles.
Podať niekomu pomocnú ruku
Pronunciation: [pɔdať ɲiɛkɔmu pɔmɔt͡snuː ruku]
Literal Translation:"To offer someone a helpful hand"
Meaning:To offer support and assistance to someone in need.
V ťažkých chvíľach mu susedia podali pomocnú ruku.
In tough moments the neighbors lent him a helping hand.
Lízať med cez sklo
Pronunciation: [liːzať mɛt t͡sɛs sklɔ]
Literal Translation:"To lick honey through glass"
Meaning:To experience or observe something desirable without being able to enjoy it directly.
Pozerať sa na luxusné autá na výstave bolo ako lízať med cez sklo.
Looking at luxury cars at the auto show was like licking honey through a windowpane.
Chodiť po tenkom ľade
Pronunciation: [xɔɟiť pɔ tɛŋkɔm ʎadɛ]
Literal Translation:"To walk on thin ice"
Meaning:To take extreme risks that could easily lead to catastrophe.
Týmto riskantným obchodom chodíš po veľmi tenkom ľade.
With this risky trade you are skating on very thin ice.
Mať husiu kožu
Pronunciation: [mať ɦuʃiu kɔʒu]
Literal Translation:"To have goose skin"
Meaning:To feel shivers caused by fear, cold, or deep emotional awe.
Pri počúvaní tej piesne som mal husiu kožu.
Listening to that song gave me goosebumps.
Spadnúť z oblakov
Pronunciation: [spadnuːť z ɔblakɔu̯]
Literal Translation:"To fall from the clouds"
Meaning:To be abruptly awakened to reality or shocked by unexpected news.
Keď zistil skutočnú cenu opravy, spadol z oblakov.
When he learned the actual cost of repairs, he came crashing down to earth.
Hrať prvé husle
Pronunciation: [ɦrať prvɛː ɦuslɛ]
Literal Translation:"To play first violins"
Meaning:To take the leading, most influential role in a group or project.
V celom projekte hral prvé husle hlavný inžinier.
In the entire project, the chief engineer called the tune.
Hrať druhé husle
Pronunciation: [ɦrať druɦɛː ɦuslɛ]
Literal Translation:"To play second violins"
Meaning:To occupy a subordinate or secondary position behind someone else.
Nebol ochotný hrať v tíme len druhé husle.
He was unwilling to just play second fiddle in the team.
Pichať do osieho hniezda
Pronunciation: [pixať dɔ ɔsiɛɦɔ ɦɲiɛzda]
Literal Translation:"To poke into a wasp nest"
Meaning:To stir up a storm of trouble by touching a contentious issue.
Tou otázkou o platoch pichol priamo do osieho hniezda.
With that question about salaries he stirred up a hornet's nest.
Mať zlaté ruky
Pronunciation: [mať zlatɛː ruki]
Literal Translation:"To have golden hands"
Meaning:To be exceptionally skilled and adept at craftwork or repairs.
Opraví každý pokazený prístroj, má skutočne zlaté ruky.
He can fix any broken device; he truly has golden hands.
Skákať ako niekto píska
Pronunciation: [skaːkať akɔ ɲiɛktɔ piːska]
Literal Translation:"To jump as someone whistles"
Meaning:To obey someone's every command without question; dance to someone's tune.
Odmietol skákať tak, ako jeho nadriadený pískal.
He refused to dance to his boss's tune.
Otáčať kabát
Pronunciation: [ɔtaːt͡ʃať kabaːt]
Literal Translation:"To turn the coat"
Meaning:To change one's political views or allegiances opportunistically.
Politik po voľbách rýchlo otočil kabát.
After the election, the politician quickly turned his coat.
Byť v kaši
Pronunciation: [biť f kaʃi]
Literal Translation:"To be in porridge"
Meaning:To find oneself in a severe bind or trouble; in a jam.
Ak ten projekt nestihneme načas, budeme v poriadnej kaši.
If we don't finish this project on time, we will be in a real pickle.
Vytiahnuť niekomu tŕň z päty
Pronunciation: [vitiaɦnuť ɲiɛkɔmu tr̩ɲ s paɛti]
Literal Translation:"To pull a thorn from someone's heel"
Meaning:To rescue someone from a pressing embarrassment or urgent predicament.
Jeho rýchla pôžička mi vytiahla tŕň z päty.
His timely loan saved my neck in a tight spot.
Mať v hlave guláš
Pronunciation: [mať f ɦlaʋɛ gulaːʃ]
Literal Translation:"To have goulash in the head"
Meaning:To be completely confused or disoriented by conflicting information.
Po toľkých protichodných správach mám v hlave úplný guláš.
After so many contradictory reports, my mind is completely scrambled.
Zjesť všetku múdrosť sveta
Pronunciation: [zjɛsť fʃɛtku muːdrɔsc sʋɛta]
Literal Translation:"To eat all the wisdom of the world"
Meaning:To act arrogantly as if one knows everything better than others.
Správa sa, akoby zjedol všetku múdrosť sveta.
He acts as if he knows everything there is to know.
Žiť na vysokej nohe
Pronunciation: [ʒiť na visɔkɛj nɔɦɛ]
Literal Translation:"To live on a high foot"
Meaning:To live luxuriously and spend money lavishly.
Zvykol si žiť na vysokej nohe a míňať na drahé dovolenky.
He got used to living high off the hog and spending on lavish vacations.
Mať nos na niečo
Pronunciation: [mať nɔs na ɲiɛt͡ʃɔ]
Literal Translation:"To have nose for something"
Meaning:To have a natural intuition or knack for finding good opportunities.
Investičný manažér má skvelý nos na úspešné firmy.
The investment manager has a great nose for profitable companies.
Zahryznúť si do jazyka
Pronunciation: [zaɦriznuːť si dɔ jazika]
Literal Translation:"To bite into one's tongue"
Meaning:To stop oneself just in time from uttering something offensive or untimely.
Chcel sa ostro ohradiť, ale radšej si zahryzol do jazyka.
He wanted to object sharply, but bit his tongue instead.
Lepiť sa smola na päty
Pronunciation: [lɛpiť sa smɔla na paɛti]
Literal Translation:"Bad luck sticks to the heels"
Meaning:To experience a persistent streak of misfortune.
Celý tento týždeň sa mu lepí smola na päty.
Bad luck has been dogging his footsteps all week.
Vyraziť niekomu dych
Pronunciation: [viraziť ɲiɛkɔmu dix]
Literal Translation:"To knock someone's breath out"
Meaning:To astound, amaze, or stun someone profoundly.
Krásny výhľad z vrcholu hory nám vyrazil dych.
The breathtaking view from the mountain peak took our breath away.
Hádzať flintu do žita
Pronunciation: [ɦaːd͡zať flintu dɔ ʒita]
Literal Translation:"To throw the rifle into the rye"
Meaning:To give up hope and surrender prematurely; throw in the towel.
Aj keď sa nedarí, nehádž hneď flintu do žita.
Even when things go poorly, don't throw in the towel right away.
Pozerať sa na svet zhora
Pronunciation: [pɔzɛrať sa na sʋɛd zɦɔra]
Literal Translation:"To look at the world from above"
Meaning:To behave with haughty superiority and arrogance toward others.
Po povýšení sa začal pozerať na kolegov zhora.
After his promotion he started looking down on his colleagues.
Mať široké lakte
Pronunciation: [mať ʃirɔkɛː laktɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have wide elbows"
Meaning:To be aggressively ambitious and push past competitors without scruples.
V politike sa presadia najmä tí, ktorí majú široké lakte.
In politics, those with sharp elbows are the ones who get ahead.
Tlačiť na pílu
Pronunciation: [tlat͡ʃiť na piːlu]
Literal Translation:"To press on the saw"
Meaning:To push too hard or force matters aggressively, risking damage.
Pri vyjednávaní netlač príliš na pílu, aby si ich neodradil.
During negotiations don't push too hard, so you don't scare them off.
Umývať si ruky
Pronunciation: [umiːʋať si ruki]
Literal Translation:"To wash one's hands"
Meaning:To disclaim all responsibility for an outcome.
Odmietol sa zúčastniť na rozhodnutí a umyl si ruky.
He refused to participate in the decision and washed his hands of it.
Padnúť vhod
Pronunciation: [padnuːť fɦɔt]
Literal Translation:"To fall suitably"
Meaning:To arrive or happen at the exact right moment when most needed.
Šálka horúceho čaju po dlhej túre mi padla veľmi vhod.
A cup of hot tea after the long hike came in very handy.
Mať otvorené dvere
Pronunciation: [mať ɔtvɔrɛnɛː dʋɛrɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have open doors"
Meaning:To have full access, welcome, and clear opportunities available.
V našom klube máš vždy otvorené dvere.
You always have an open door in our club.
Mať tvrdý oriešok na rozlúsknutie
Pronunciation: [mať tvr̩diː ɔriɛʃɔk na rɔzluːskɲucɛ]
Literal Translation:"To have a hard nut to crack"
Meaning:To face an intricate, difficult problem requiring serious effort to solve.
Riešenie tohto technického problému je naozaj tvrdý oriešok.
Solving this technical issue is a really tough nut to crack.
Naraziť na kameň
Pronunciation: [naraziť na kamɛɲ]
Literal Translation:"To strike upon a stone"
Meaning:To encounter unexpected, unyielding resistance or an insurmountable obstacle.
Pri presadzovaní nového pravidla narazil na tvrdý kameň.
When pushing through the new rule, he ran into stiff resistance.
Držať niekoho na uzde
Pronunciation: [dr̩ʒať ɲiɛkɔɦɔ na uzdɛ]
Literal Translation:"To hold someone on a bridle"
Meaning:To restrain someone tightly and keep their actions strictly controlled.
Učiteľ musel neposlušných žiakov držať na uzde.
The teacher had to keep the unruly students on a short leash.
Brať niečo s rezervou
Pronunciation: [brať ɲiɛt͡ʃɔ s rɛzɛrʋɔu̯]
Literal Translation:"To take something with a reserve"
Meaning:To treat information with healthy skepticism; take with a grain of salt.
Správy na sociálnych sieťach treba brať s rezervou.
Social media reports should be taken with a grain of salt.
Prísť o krk
Pronunciation: [priːsť ɔ kr̩k]
Literal Translation:"To lose one's neck"
Meaning:To face mortal peril or risk losing everything.
Pri tej záchrannej akcii mohol ľahko prísť o krk.
During that rescue mission he could easily have lost his life.
Mať horúcu pôdu pod nohami
Pronunciation: [mať ɦɔruːt͡su pu̯ɔdu pɔd nɔɦami]
Literal Translation:"To have hot ground under one's feet"
Meaning:To feel imminent danger or exposure closing in.
Po odhalení podvodu mal v meste horúcu pôdu pod nohami.
After the fraud was uncovered, he felt the ground burning beneath his feet.
Dostať zelenú
Pronunciation: [dɔstať zɛlɛnuː]
Literal Translation:"To get the green"
Meaning:To receive official permission or approval to proceed.
Náš návrh na výstavbu parku konečne dostal zelenú.
Our proposal for park construction finally got the green light.
Vyložiť tromfy
Pronunciation: [vilɔʒiť trɔmfi]
Literal Translation:"To lay out trumps"
Meaning:To present one's strongest arguments or advantages.
Na záver debaty vyložil svoje najlepšie tromfy.
At the end of the debate he played his strongest trump cards.
Prísť niečomu na kĺb
Pronunciation: [priːsť ɲiɛt͡ʃɔmu na kl̩p]
Literal Translation:"To come to the joint of something"
Meaning:To discover the true explanation or underlying principle behind an issue.
Vedci sa snažia prísť tejto záhade na kĺb.
Scientists are trying to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Byť v jednom kole
Pronunciation: [biť v jɛdnɔm kɔlɛ]
Literal Translation:"To be in one wheel"
Meaning:To be perpetually busy and bustling with non-stop tasks.
Odkedy sa narodil syn, som v jednom kole.
Ever since my son was born, I've been on the go non-stop.
Plakať nad rozliatym mliekom
Pronunciation: [plakať nad rɔzʎiatim mʎiɛkɔm]
Literal Translation:"To cry over spilt milk"
Meaning:To waste energy grieving over a past mishap that cannot be undone.
Chyba sa už stala, nemá zmysel plakať nad rozliatym mliekom.
The mistake happened already; there's no use crying over spilled milk.
Ukázať zuby
Pronunciation: [ukaːzať zubi]
Literal Translation:"To show teeth"
Meaning:To demonstrate strength, determination, and readiness to fight back.
Keď ich začali utláčať, ukázali zuby a postavili sa na odpor.
When they faced oppression, they bared their teeth and fought back.
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