Bedeutung
Watching very carefully.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The idiom is frequently used in the context of 'houbaření' (mushroom picking), a national pastime. It reflects the Czech love for nature and the specific skill of spotting hidden treasures in the forest. Parents often use this phrase with children when visiting Prague's city center, which is notorious for being crowded. It's a standard part of 'safety' vocabulary for kids. The snail is a common figure in Central European folklore, often representing patience and slow but steady progress. Here, it represents the ability to see everything. In modern Czech offices, this phrase is sometimes used by project managers to remind teams to look out for 'bugs' or errors in a new release.
Visualize the Snail
If you forget the word 'stopkách', just think of a snail. It will help you remember the 'stalks' part of the idiom.
Don't use for 'Staring'
This is about being alert, not about staring at someone. If you stare, use 'zírat'.
Bedeutung
Watching very carefully.
Visualize the Snail
If you forget the word 'stopkách', just think of a snail. It will help you remember the 'stalks' part of the idiom.
Don't use for 'Staring'
This is about being alert, not about staring at someone. If you stare, use 'zírat'.
Perfect for Mushrooming
If you want to impress a Czech person, use this phrase while looking for mushrooms in the forest. It's the most authentic context!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
V davu musíš mít oči na ________.
The idiom is 'mít oči na stopkách' (eyes on stalks).
Which situation best fits the phrase 'mít oči na stopkách'?
Kdy bys měl mít oči na stopkách?
Searching for something small requires high vigilance and attention.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb 'mít'.
Petr: 'Je tu hodně zlodějů.' Jana: 'Neboj, ____ oči na stopkách.'
Jana is speaking about herself, so she uses the first person singular 'mám'.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Mít oči na stopkách znamená:
The idiom means to be very attentive/observant.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenV davu musíš mít oči na ________.
The idiom is 'mít oči na stopkách' (eyes on stalks).
Kdy bys měl mít oči na stopkách?
Searching for something small requires high vigilance and attention.
Petr: 'Je tu hodně zlodějů.' Jana: 'Neboj, ____ oči na stopkách.'
Jana is speaking about herself, so she uses the first person singular 'mám'.
Mít oči na stopkách znamená:
The idiom means to be very attentive/observant.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! It's a very common, neutral idiom used by everyone from children to the elderly.
Yes, if you are talking about being careful with a project or a contract. It shows you are diligent.
There isn't one for the idiom. You must always use 'oči' (plural).
No, 'stopky' can also mean 'stopwatches' or 'stems' (like on a cherry). Context is key!
Somewhat, but 'eyes in the back of my head' implies knowing what's happening behind you, while 'oči na stopkách' is about intense focus in front/around you.
No, that's not a standard idiom. For hearing, we say 'nastražit uši' (to prick up one's ears).
Very common. You will hear it in news reports, from parents, and in casual conversation.
Yes, 'dávat bacha' is the most common slang equivalent.
Absolutely. It's a perfect way to describe a detective looking for clues.
Not necessarily. It can imply caution due to danger, but also just intense focus for a positive goal (like finding mushrooms).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Být ve střehu
synonymTo be on guard / alert.
Mít oči všude
similarTo have eyes everywhere.
Dávat si bacha
informalTo watch out / be careful.
Mít oči pro někoho
contrastTo only have eyes for someone.
