10 Common Lithuanian Idioms and Their Meanings (With Examples)

Learning Lithuanian is about more than grammar and vocabulary. If you want to sound more natural, it helps to understand common Lithuanian idioms. These expressions are often used in everyday conversations and can give you a deeper understanding of Lithuanian culture.

Here are 10 popular Lithuanian idioms, their meanings, and examples of how they are used.

1. Kaip žirniai į sieną

Literal translation: Like peas thrown at a wall

Meaning: Talking to someone who refuses to listen.

Example: Mano žodžiai atsimuša kaip žirniai į sieną.

2. Iš musės padaryti dramblį

Literal translation: To make an elephant out of a fly

Meaning: To exaggerate a small problem.

Example: Jis iš musės padarė dramblį.

3. Devynis prakaitus išlieti

Literal translation: To pour out nine sweats

Meaning: To work extremely hard.

Example: Aš išliejau devynis prakaitus, kol pastačiau šį namą.

4. Laikyti liežuvį už dantų

Literal translation: To keep your tongue behind your teeth

Meaning: To keep a secret.

Example: Aš tau pasakysiu paslaptį, bet turėsi laikyti liežuvį už dantų.

5. Kaip du vandens lašai

Literal translation: Like two drops of water

Meaning: Two people who look almost identical.

Example: Jie atrodo kaip du vandens lašai.

6. Vienu šūviu du zuikius nušauti

Literal translation: To shoot two rabbits with one shot

Meaning: To achieve two goals with one action.

Example: Aš bandžiau vienu šūviu du zuikius nušauti.

7. Sėdėti sudėjus rankas

Literal translation: To sit with folded hands

Meaning: To do nothing.

Example: Aš negaliu sėdėti sudėjusi rankas ir nieko nedaryti.

8. Užriesta nosis

Literal translation: A turned-up nose

Meaning: Someone who is arrogant, conceited, or thinks they are better than others.

Example: Ji vaikščiojo užriesta nosimi.

9. Kaip ant delno

Literal translation: Like on the palm of your hand

Meaning: Clearly visible or easy to understand.

Example: Visa tiesa kaip ant delno.

10. Ne pyragai

Literal translation: Not cakes

Meaning: Things are not going well.

Example: Šį mėnesį mums buvo išties ne pyragai.

Why Learn Lithuanian Idioms?

Lithuanian idioms help you understand native speakers and communicate more naturally. While some expressions may sound unusual when translated literally, they reveal interesting aspects of Lithuanian culture and humor.

If you're learning Lithuanian, try using one of these idioms in your next conversation!