What are idioms?
Idioms are words whose meaning is not deducible from the individual words but from the group of words itself.
Recently, a professional NBA player from Serbia, Nikola Jokić used one of the idioms in the Serbian language, but translated it to its English version: ‘It’s easy to be a general after the war’ (Lako je biti general posle bitke). It was considered an outstanding piece of wisdom by the media. Little did they know, it is a common way people in Serbia express that it’s easy to criticize or offer advice on a specific situation after it has already happened and the outcome is known.
10 Serbian Idioms and When to Use Them
We are going to unpack 10 common Serbian idioms and when to use them that will help you expand and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Serbian language and culture.
1. Skupo kao Svetog Petra kajgana
(Expensive as St.Peter’s omelet)
| Meaning: | Used to describe something outrageously overpriced |
| Example: | 20.000 dinara?! Ta haljina ti je skupa kao Svetog Petra kajgana! |
| Translation: | 20.000 RSD?! That dress is as expensive as St.Peter’s omelet! |
| English equivalent: | Costs an arm and a leg. |
2. Tresla se gora, rodio se miš
(The mountain shook, and a mouse was born)
| Meaning: | Used to refer to a big fuss over nothing |
| Example: | Dobio si 5 iz geografije?! Eto, tresla se gora, rodio se miš! |
| Translation: | You got an A in geography?! There you go, the mountain shook, and a mouse was born! |
| English equivalent: | All bark and no bite. Much ado about nothing. |
3. Nije šija nego vrat
(It’s not the neck, it’s the nape)
| Meaning: | Used to describe that two things are essentially the same |
| Example: | Gornjak, teksas jakna – nije šija nego vrat! |
| Translation: | Gornjak, jean jacket – it’s not the neck, it’s the nape! |
| English equivalent: | Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Same difference. Potato, potahto. |
4. Pala mu sekira u med
(His axe fell into honey)
| Meaning: | Refers to when someone gets lucky or benefits effortlessly |
| Example: | Pala mu je sekira u med kad je nju upoznao. |
| Translation: | His axe fell into honey when he met her. |
| English equivalent: | He hit the jackpot. |
5. Kao kiša oko Kragujevca
(Like rain around Kragujevac)
| Meaning: | Used when someone talks or acts in a roundabout instead of being straightforward and direct |
| Example: | Nemoj da pričaš kao kiša oko Kragujevca, reci šta misliš! |
| Translation: | Don’t talk like rain around Kragujevac, say what you mean! |
| English equivalent: | Beating around the bush. Talking in circles. |
6. Bez dlake na jeziku
(Without hair on the tongue)
| Meaning: | Used to describe someone outspoken and not afraid to express themselves even if it might be an unpopular or controversial opinion |
| Example: | Poznata je po tome što je bez dlake na jeziku u svakoj situaciji. |
| Translation: | She is well known for being without hair on the tongue in any situation. |
| English equivalent: | Not mincing words. To call a spade a spade. |
7. Blene kao tele u šarena vrata
(Staring like a calf at colorful doors)
| Meaning: | Refers to someone being clueless or confused |
| Example: | Blene kao tele u šarena vrata dok mu se objašnjava hemija. |
| Translation: | He is staring like a calf at colorful doors while he is being explained chemistry. |
| English equivalent: | Gawking at something. |
8. Napio se kao majka
(He got drunk like the mother)
| Meaning: | Used to describe someone who consumed a large amount of alcohol and is extremely intoxicated |
| Example: | Na proslavi se napio kao majka i jedva stigao kući. |
| Translation: | At the celebration he got drunk like the mother and barely arrived home. |
| English equivalent: | Drunk as a skunk. |
9. Bolje vrabac u ruci nego golub na grani
(Better a sparrow in hand than pigeon on a branch)
| Meaning: | Refers to the importance of appreciating the tangible and secure rather than chasing after bigger, yet uncertain rewards |
| Example: | Razmišljala je da napusti svoj siguran posao zbog mogućeg projekta u inostranstvu, ali je odlučila da ostane – bolje vrabac u ruci nego golub na grani. |
| Translation: | She was thinking about leaving her comfort job because of the possible project overseas, but she chose to stay – better a sparrow in hand than a pigeon on a branch. |
| English equivalent: | A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Better safe than sorry. |
10. Mačiji kašalj
(Cat’s cough)
| Meaning: | Used to describe a simple situation |
| Example: | Taj zadatak je mačiji kašalj za nas! |
| Translation: | That task is a cat’s cough for us! |
| English equivalent: | A piece of cake. Easy as pie. Child’s play. |
Next Steps on Your Language Learning Journey
With these 10 Serbian idioms, we are just scratching the surface. Knowing the ins and outs of common Serbian sayings and expressions will be your best friend when it comes to mastering the language with ease. If you want to learn more about what it is that we do here on AboutSerbian, visit our website, and contact us for further information!
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