A1 Idiom محايد

Kao na iglama

kao na iglama

Like on needles

المعنى

Being very nervous or anxious.

🌍

خلفية ثقافية

In Serbia, showing that you are 'na iglama' during a sports match is considered a sign of a true fan. It's common to see people pacing in cafes during national team games. While the phrase is used, the local culture often emphasizes 'čojstvo' (strength of character), so admitting to being 'na iglama' might be done with a bit of self-deprecating humor. The phrase is frequently used in the context of 'sevdah' (longing/melancholy), where waiting for a loved one is a central theme in music and poetry. Second-generation speakers often use this phrase as one of their few 'preserved' idioms because it so perfectly captures the stress of modern life.

💡

Use with 'biti'

For beginners, just stick to 'Ja sam kao na iglama'. It's the most versatile form.

⚠️

Not for physical pain

Remember, if you actually sat on a needle, don't use this idiom. Just say 'Ubo sam se!' (I pricked myself!)

المعنى

Being very nervous or anxious.

💡

Use with 'biti'

For beginners, just stick to 'Ja sam kao na iglama'. It's the most versatile form.

⚠️

Not for physical pain

Remember, if you actually sat on a needle, don't use this idiom. Just say 'Ubo sam se!' (I pricked myself!)

🎯

Add 'baš'

Adding 'baš' (really) makes you sound more native: 'Baš sam kao na iglama!'

اختبر نفسك

Fill in the missing word in the idiom.

Čekam rezultate i osećam se kao na ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: iglama

The idiom always uses the plural instrumental form 'iglama'.

Which situation best fits the phrase 'kao na iglama'?

Kada bi neko rekao 'Kao na iglama sam'?

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Kada čeka važan telefonski poziv.

The phrase is used for nervous anticipation.

Match the Serbian phrase with its English equivalent.

Match the following:

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Kao na iglama - On pins and needles

Direct idiomatic equivalent.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Zašto šetaš levo-desno? B: Sutra mi je venčanje, ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: kao na iglama sam

The person is nervous about their wedding tomorrow.

🎉 النتيجة: /4

وسائل تعلم بصرية

When to be 'Na Iglama'

💼

Work

  • Interview
  • Promotion
  • Deadline
🏠

Life

  • Exam
  • Date
  • Baby

بنك التمارين

4 تمارين
Fill in the missing word in the idiom. Fill Blank A1

Čekam rezultate i osećam se kao na ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: iglama

The idiom always uses the plural instrumental form 'iglama'.

Which situation best fits the phrase 'kao na iglama'? Choose A1

Kada bi neko rekao 'Kao na iglama sam'?

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Kada čeka važan telefonski poziv.

The phrase is used for nervous anticipation.

Match the Serbian phrase with its English equivalent. Match A1

طابق كل عنصر على اليسار مع زوجه على اليمين:

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: Kao na iglama - On pins and needles

Direct idiomatic equivalent.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Zašto šetaš levo-desno? B: Sutra mi je venčanje, ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: kao na iglama sam

The person is nervous about their wedding tomorrow.

🎉 النتيجة: /4

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a professional email to express that you are eagerly awaiting a response.

Yes! You can be 'na iglama' because you are excited about a surprise party or a trip.

'Na žeravici' (on embers) is more intense and usually implies a more painful or desperate wait.

No, 'iglama' is a noun in the instrumental case and does not change based on the subject's gender.

Always 'na' (on). Think of sitting on top of them.

No, that sounds like you are talking about a medical needle or a record player needle. Use the plural.

Very common. You will hear it in movies, songs, and daily talk almost every day in Serbia.

Yes: 'Svi smo kao na iglama.'

Yes, for the emotional meaning. No, for the physical 'numbness' meaning.

The most common are 'biti' (to be), 'sedeti' (to sit), and 'čekati' (to wait).

عبارات ذات صلة

🔄

Kao na žeravici

synonym

Like on live coals.

🔗

Cupkati u mestu

similar

To hop in place.

🔗

Gristi nokte

similar

To bite one's nails.

🔗

Hladan kao špricer

contrast

Cold as a wine spritzer.

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