المعنى
Being very nervous or anxious.
خلفية ثقافية
In Lithuania, basketball is a major source of national anxiety. During the EuroBasket or Olympics, you will see this phrase in almost every news headline. The idiom reflects Lithuania's history as an agrarian society where sewing was a vital skill. Needles were precious but dangerous if lost in the straw of a bed or chair. In modern Lithuanian startup culture, 'kaip ant adatų' is often used during 'pitch' sessions or when waiting for funding news. If a Lithuanian tells you they are 'kaip ant adatų,' it is a polite way to say they might be distracted or need to leave soon to check on something.
Use with 'Sėdėti'
While you can say 'būti' (to be), using 'sėdėti' (to sit) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Case Sensitivity
Make sure to use 'adatų' (Genitive). Using 'adatos' (Nominative) is a very common beginner mistake.
المعنى
Being very nervous or anxious.
Use with 'Sėdėti'
While you can say 'būti' (to be), using 'sėdėti' (to sit) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Case Sensitivity
Make sure to use 'adatų' (Genitive). Using 'adatos' (Nominative) is a very common beginner mistake.
Add 'Visą laiką'
To sound more dramatic, add 'visą laiką' (all the time). E.g., 'Aš visą laiką sėdžiu kaip ant adatų!'
Basketball Context
Use this during a basketball game to instantly bond with Lithuanian fans.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Mes sėdime kaip ant ______ (adata).
The preposition 'ant' requires the genitive plural 'adatų' in this idiom.
Which verb is MOST commonly used with this idiom?
______ kaip ant adatų.
'Sėdėti' (to sit) is the standard verb paired with this idiom to show restlessness.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Laukiu labai svarbaus skambučio.
Waiting for an important call causes the anxiety described by the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kodėl tu visą laiką vaikštai po kambarį? B: Rytoj egzaminas, todėl ______.
Walking around restlessly before an exam is a perfect context for 'sėdžiu kaip ant adatų'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
When to use this phrase
Waiting
- • Exam results
- • Job news
- • Doctor's call
Nerves
- • First date
- • Public speaking
- • Big game
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينMes sėdime kaip ant ______ (adata).
The preposition 'ant' requires the genitive plural 'adatų' in this idiom.
______ kaip ant adatų.
'Sėdėti' (to sit) is the standard verb paired with this idiom to show restlessness.
Laukiu labai svarbaus skambučio.
Waiting for an important call causes the anxiety described by the idiom.
A: Kodėl tu visą laiką vaikštai po kambarį? B: Rytoj egzaminas, todėl ______.
Walking around restlessly before an exam is a perfect context for 'sėdžiu kaip ant adatų'.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a professional setting to describe a tense situation.
No, it is strictly for psychological anxiety or restlessness.
The singular is 'adata' (needle), but the idiom always uses the plural.
Yes, the meaning is identical.
It is possible, but 'sėdėti' is much more common.
You can say 'Aš nusiraminau' (I calmed down) or 'Akmuo nuo širdies nukrito' (A stone fell from my heart).
Yes, it is very common in Lithuanian literature to describe a character's internal state.
No, only anxiety or nervous anticipation.
Yes, if the waiting for the surprise makes you nervous/excited.
In this context, it takes the Genitive case.
عبارات ذات صلة
Nenustygti vietoje
similarTo be unable to stay in one place
Kaip ant anglių
synonymLike on coals
Varyti į neviltį
contrastTo drive to despair
Širdis į kulnus nukrito
similarHeart dropped to the heels
Laukti išskėstomis rankomis
contrastTo wait with open arms
