Bedeutung
To be in a winning position.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Horses are highly respected. The Lipizzaner is a national symbol, appearing on the 20-cent euro coin. This respect translates into idioms where the horse represents the peak of achievement. In the past, owning a horse meant you were a 'gruntar' (a wealthy farmer), as opposed to a 'bajtež' (a poor cottage dweller). Being 'on a horse' was a literal sign of wealth. Slovenian business culture is often cautious. Using 'biti na konju' is a way to signal that a project has finally reached a safe, profitable phase. Slovenians are very active in sports. Commentators often use this phrase when a skier or cyclist takes a significant lead in a race.
Use it for relief
Use this phrase when a stressful period ends. It shows you're not just happy, but secure.
Check the case
Always use 'konju' (locative). 'Konja' (accusative) changes the meaning to 'onto the horse'.
Bedeutung
To be in a winning position.
Use it for relief
Use this phrase when a stressful period ends. It shows you're not just happy, but secure.
Check the case
Always use 'konju' (locative). 'Konja' (accusative) changes the meaning to 'onto the horse'.
Add 'končno'
Adding 'končno' (finally) makes you sound like a native speaker who has worked hard for success.
Modesty matters
Slovenians prefer to say others are 'na konju' rather than bragging about themselves.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the word 'konj'.
Ko dobim plačo, bom na ______.
The preposition 'na' in this idiom requires the locative case singular.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'biti na konju'?
Marko je...
Getting a scholarship is a major success and puts one in a winning position.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Ana: 'Končno sem prodala svojo staro hišo!' Borut: 'Čestitam! Zdaj ______.'
'Si na konju' is the standard way to say someone is now in a great position.
Match the person to their status.
Match: 1. Peter (won the lottery), 2. Maja (lost her job), 3. Tine (just started a hard task).
Winning is being on the horse; losing is being on the ground.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Up vs. Down
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenKo dobim plačo, bom na ______.
The preposition 'na' in this idiom requires the locative case singular.
Marko je...
Getting a scholarship is a major success and puts one in a winning position.
Ana: 'Končno sem prodala svojo staro hišo!' Borut: 'Čestitam! Zdaj ______.'
'Si na konju' is the standard way to say someone is now in a great position.
Match: 1. Peter (won the lottery), 2. Maja (lost her job), 3. Tine (just started a hard task).
Winning is being on the horse; losing is being on the ground.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenIt's neutral to informal. You can use it with colleagues, but maybe not in a legal contract.
Yes, like finding a great parking spot or finishing a difficult chore.
'Biti na tleh' (to be on the ground/devastated).
Usually no, unless you are at a stable. Context is key!
Because the preposition 'na' requires the locative case when indicating location.
Yes, similar versions exist in Croatian and Serbian.
No, the idiom is fixed with 'konj' (horse).
Not at all. It's a very positive and common expression.
Use the future tense: 'Bom na konju'.
It might be a bit too casual. Better to say 'To bi bil velik uspeh'.
Yes: 'Smo na konju' (We are set). Note that 'konju' stays singular because it's a fixed idiom.
It can be both, but it usually implies a successful outcome regardless of the cause.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Stati na trdnih tleh
similarTo be stable and realistic.
Biti na tleh
contrastTo be devastated or failing.
Staviti na napačnega konja
builds onTo make a wrong bet/decision.
Zmagati na celi črti
synonymTo win completely.
Imeti v žepu
similarTo have something 'in the bag'.
