Do you want to obtain Slovak citizenship? One of the requirements is knowledge of the Slovak language, but be careful—it’s one of the most difficult languages in Europe, and its phraseology can really twist your mind. Why does a guilty person have “butter on their head,” and why is a foodie “in seventh heaven” after a good meal? Discover the secrets behind the most famous Slovak proverbs and idioms and understand their hidden meanings.
“Better a crow in hand than a pigeon on the roof.”
This proverb means it’s better to have something certain, even if it’s not ideal, than to rely on something that might be better but is uncertain. It’s about valuing security over risk.
“To have butter on one’s head.”
Having butter on your head means feeling guilty or having a guilty conscience about your actions, which metaphorically “melt” like butter in the sun, making them impossible to hide.
“If you’re afraid, don’t go into the forest.”
If someone is afraid to face danger or a challenge, they shouldn’t even venture into such situations—like not going into the forest at all.
“If you want to beat a dog, you’ll find a stick.”
If someone has bad intentions toward another person, they will always find a reason or way to carry out their plan. It reflects human malice and the tendency to justify bad actions.
“To be in seventh heaven.”
This means being extremely happy, excited, or in a state of euphoria. The origin of this expression dates back to ancient beliefs about seven celestial spheres where the blessed resided.
“To walk around hot porridge.”
If you’re walking around hot porridge, you’re avoiding an unpleasant topic, problem, or situation instead of addressing it directly.
“To take one’s legs on one’s shoulders.”
This means to run away, to flee in fear or from danger. It expresses a quick, hasty retreat from an unpleasant situation.
“To rack one’s brain.”
Whether you’re racking your brain over a math problem or an assignment from your boss, it means you’re thinking intensely and trying hard to find a solution.
“Like he fell out of someone’s eye.”
This proverb means that someone looks very similar to another person, often a parent or relative.
“What’s on the heart is on the tongue.”
Someone who has what’s on their heart also on their tongue is sincere and open, saying exactly what they think and feel. Such a person speaks directly and bluntly, sometimes without tact.
“To kill two flies with one blow.”
This proverb describes a situation where someone solves two problems or achieves two goals at once, with minimal effort, cleverly and efficiently.
“It’s a Spanish village to me.”
This expression conveys complete ignorance or misunderstanding of something. A person feels lost and confused because the subject is entirely foreign and unfamiliar to them.
“To be the black sheep of the family.”
You’re the black sheep of the family if you’re different from other family members, often in a negative way. Whether it’s due to behavior, opinions, or lifestyle, it results in a lack of understanding from the family.
“Don’t throw your rifle into the rye.”
This proverb encourages people not to give up or lose hope, even when things aren’t going well or they face difficulties. It reminds them not to quit prematurely, as the situation may still improve.
This is just a fraction of Slovak proverbs and sayings. There are also weather lore expressions—short, often rhymed folk sayings that express forecasts or observations about the weather, nature, or agricultural activities. If you want to master Slovak phraseology, the best way is to dive into specialized literature, such as Slovak Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms. It’s affordable, available as an e-book, and contains the most common idiomatic expressions with explanations.