Bedeutung
To be burdened by something.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Slovak folklore, the figure of the 'zbojník' (outlaw like Jánošík) is often contrasted with the image of the prisoner in chains. To have a 'guľa na nohe' is the ultimate opposite of the freedom of the mountains. The shared history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire means this idiom is found in Czech, Hungarian, and Polish with very similar imagery, reflecting a shared legal and penal history. Slovaks often use this idiom to complain about 'byrokracia' (bureaucracy). It reflects a common frustration with slow state systems. Sometimes at weddings, a heavy log or a chain is jokingly attached to the groom to represent his 'loss of freedom,' though this is becoming less common in modern urban weddings.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound more like a native speaker when complaining. It shows you understand Slovak imagery.
Don't be too mean
Calling a person a 'guľa na nohe' is strong. Only use it with very close friends as a joke or when you are truly frustrated.
Bedeutung
To be burdened by something.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound more like a native speaker when complaining. It shows you understand Slovak imagery.
Don't be too mean
Calling a person a 'guľa na nohe' is strong. Only use it with very close friends as a joke or when you are truly frustrated.
Combine with 'vliecť'
Instead of 'mať' (to have), use 'vliecť' (to drag) to sound even more dramatic: 'Vlečiem túto guľu na nohe už roky.'
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the idiom.
Ten starý počítač je pre mňa v práci skutočná _______ ___ _______.
The standard form uses 'guľa' and the preposition 'na'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a person?
Select the correct sentence:
The idiom describes someone who slows you down or is a burden.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Chceš ísť so mnou na túru? B: Radšej nie, som po chorobe a bol by som ti len...
In this context, the speaker is worried about slowing the other person down.
Match the situation to the meaning of the idiom.
Situation: 'Firma má veľa starých dlhov.'
Financial burdens are a classic use case for this idiom.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenTen starý počítač je pre mňa v práci skutočná _______ ___ _______.
The standard form uses 'guľa' and the preposition 'na'.
Select the correct sentence:
The idiom describes someone who slows you down or is a burden.
A: Chceš ísť so mnou na túru? B: Radšej nie, som po chorobe a bol by som ti len...
In this context, the speaker is worried about slowing the other person down.
Situation: 'Firma má veľa starých dlhov.'
Financial burdens are a classic use case for this idiom.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenIt is common in journalism and opinion pieces, but avoid it in strictly legal or academic documents.
No, the idiom is strictly singular: 'na nohe'.
It can be if you are calling a person a burden. Use it carefully.
The closest equivalent is 'a ball and chain' or 'a drag'.
No, it is almost exclusively negative.
Verwandte Redewendungen
mať niekoho na krku
similarTo have someone as a responsibility.
byť brzdou
synonymTo be a brake/to slow things down.
kameň na srdci
contrastA stone on the heart (guilt/worry).
rozviazať niekomu ruky
contrastTo untie someone's hands.
