Language/Croatian/Grammar/Croatian-Idiomatic-Expressions

Croatian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Croatian Idiomatic Expressions

Welcome to the lesson on Croatian Idiomatic Expressions! Understanding idiomatic expressions is a significant step in mastering any language, and Croatian is no exception. Idioms not only enrich your vocabulary but also help you sound more like a native speaker. They can express complex ideas in a more relatable way, and they often reflect the culture and history behind the language. In this lesson, we'll explore some of the most common Croatian idiomatic expressions, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in conversation.

Importance of Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases where the meaning isn't immediately clear from the literal meanings of the words. They add flavor to the language and can convey emotions, cultural nuances, and shared experiences. By learning these expressions, you will not only enhance your communication skills but also gain insights into Croatian culture and social norms.

In this lesson, we will:

1. Define what idiomatic expressions are and their role in the Croatian language.

2. Break down 20 common Croatian idiomatic expressions, providing examples and explanations.

3. Offer practical exercises to help you apply what you've learned.

What are Idiomatic Expressions?

Idiomatic expressions are commonly used phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation. For example, the English phrase "kick the bucket" means to die, which is not related to kicking or buckets at all. Similarly, Croatian idioms can be perplexing at first glance, but understanding them will significantly boost your fluency.

Common Croatian Idiomatic Expressions

Let's dive into 20 commonly used Croatian idiomatic expressions. For each idiom, I will provide the Croatian phrase, its pronunciation, and the English translation.

Croatian	Pronunciation	English
imati mačka u vreći	imati mačka u vreći	to have a cat in a bag (to buy something without seeing it)
ići kao po loju	ići kao po loju	to go like on grease (to go smoothly)
nema kruha bez motike	nema kruha bez motike	no bread without a hoe (you need to work for what you want)
prodavati maglu	prodavati maglu	to sell fog (to deceive someone)
biti na konju	biti na konju	to be on a horse (to be in a good situation)
baciti oko	baciti oko	to throw an eye (to take a look)
doći na zelenu granu	doći na zelenu granu	to come to a green branch (to succeed)
biti u škripcu	biti u škripcu	to be in a pinch (to be in trouble)
povući se u školu	povući se u školu	to pull back to school (to retreat)
pustiti mačku među golubove	pustiti mačku među golubove	to let a cat among the pigeons (to create chaos)
govoriti kao da ste na vrhuncu	govoriti kao da ste na vrhuncu	to speak as if you are at the peak (to speak eloquently)
imati dva lijeva stopala	imati dva lijeva stopala	to have two left feet (to be clumsy)
gledati kroz ružičaste naočale	gledati kroz ružičaste naočale	to look through rose-colored glasses (to be overly optimistic)
raditi nešto s pola srca	raditi nešto s pola srca	to do something with half a heart (to not be fully committed)
biti u oblacima	biti u oblacima	to be in the clouds (to be daydreaming)
maziti se s vremenom	maziti se s vremenom	to cuddle with time (to take your time)
izgorjeti od ljubomore	izgorjeti od ljubomore	to burn from jealousy (to be very jealous)
voditi se za nos	voditi se za nos	to be led by the nose (to be easily deceived)
vratiti se na pravi put	vratiti se na pravi put	to return to the right path (to correct oneself)
igrati na sigurno	igrati na sigurno	to play it safe (to avoid risks)

Each of these idioms provides a glimpse into the Croatian way of thinking and cultural values. It's fascinating how language reflects social norms and shared beliefs!

Practice Exercises

Now that you've been introduced to these idiomatic expressions, let’s put your knowledge to the test. Here are 10 exercises designed to reinforce what you've learned.

1. Match the idiomatic expression with its meaning:

• A. imati mačka u vreći

• B. prodavati maglu

• C. nema kruha bez motike

• D. biti u škripcu

• E. pustiti mačku među golubove

Meanings:

1. To succeed

2. To be in trouble

3. To deceive someone

4. To create chaos

5. To buy something unseen

Solution:

• A → 5

• B → 3

• C → 1

• D → 2

• E → 4

2. Fill in the blanks: Complete the sentences with the appropriate idiom:

• "Kad sam izgubio posao, osjećao sam se kao da sam ___."

• "Ona uvijek ___ kada razgovara o svojim snovima."

Solution:

• "Kad sam izgubio posao, osjećao sam se kao da sam biti u škripcu."

• "Ona uvijek govori kao da ste na vrhuncu kada razgovara o svojim snovima."

3. Translate the idioms: Translate the following idioms into English:

• a. izgorjeti od ljubomore

• b. gledati kroz ružičaste naočale

Solution:

• a. to burn from jealousy

• b. to look through rose-colored glasses

4. Choose the correct idiom: Select the idiom that correctly fits in the context:

• "Ako želiš uspjeti, moraš ___."

• Options: a. imati mačka u vreći b. nema kruha bez motike

Solution: b. nema kruha bez motike

5. Fill in the idiom: Write the correct idiom in the blank:

• "Nakon što je dobila povišicu, osjećala se kao da je ___."

Solution: "Nakon što je dobila povišicu, osjećala se kao da je biti na konju."

6. Create a sentence: Use the idiom "doći na zelenu granu" in a sentence.

Solution: "Nakon mnogo truda, konačno smo došli na zelenu granu s našim projektom."

7. True or False: Determine if the following statements about idioms are true or false:

• "Ići kao po loju" means to struggle.

• "Gledati kroz ružičaste naočale" means to be overly pessimistic.

Solution:

• False (it means to go smoothly).

• False (it means to be overly optimistic).

8. Pair the idioms: Pair the idioms with their cultural significance:

• a. raditi nešto s pola srca

• b. voditi se za nos

• c. igrati na sigurno

Cultural Significance:

1. To not be fully committed

2. To be easily deceived

3. To avoid risks

Solution:

• a → 1

• b → 2

• c → 3

9. Identify the idiom: What idiom would you use to express the idea of "taking your time" in Croatian?

Solution: "maziti se s vremenom"

10. Rewrite the sentence: Rewrite the following sentence using an idiom:

• "He is always daydreaming."

Solution: "On je uvijek biti u oblacima."

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored the rich world of Croatian idiomatic expressions. Learning these phrases not only helps in understanding the language better but also opens a window into the culture and mindset of the Croatian people. Practice using these idioms in your conversations, and soon they'll become a natural part of your Croatian language skill set.

Remember, idioms are like spices in cooking; they can transform a bland dish into something extraordinary! Keep practicing, and you’ll be speaking like a local in no time.

Table of Contents - Croatian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns: Gender and Number
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Present Tense of Irregular Verbs

  ---

Daily Activities

• Common Activities
• Hobbies and Interests

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives: Gender and Number
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Croatian Culture and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Sources

• The quest for croatian idioms as multiword units
• Croatian language - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Croatian Language Varieties
• 0 to A1 Course
• Croatian Syntax and Style
• Verbs and Tenses
• Adjectives
• How to Use Have
• Plurals
• Pronouns
• Gender in Croatian