Bedeutung
To start working hard.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is linked to the concept of 'domaćin' (a respected head of household), who is always ready to work. In the Balkans, manual labor is often seen as a point of pride and a sign of honesty. In Serbian startups, this phrase is used to contrast with 'corporate' laziness. During the post-WWII reconstruction of Yugoslavia, this phrase was a common propaganda motif.
Use it in the plural
Even if you are working alone, using 'zasučemo' (we) can make it sound like you are part of a team effort, which is very Serbian.
Watch the stem change
Remember: zasukati -> zasučem. If you say 'zasukam', people will understand you, but it sounds uneducated.
Bedeutung
To start working hard.
Use it in the plural
Even if you are working alone, using 'zasučemo' (we) can make it sound like you are part of a team effort, which is very Serbian.
Watch the stem change
Remember: zasukati -> zasučem. If you say 'zasukam', people will understand you, but it sounds uneducated.
The 'Inat' factor
This phrase is often used when someone says a task is impossible. You 'zasučete rukave' out of 'inat' (defiance) to prove them wrong.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'zasukati'.
Vreme je da ______ rukave. (mi)
The present tense first-person plural requires the 'č' stem change.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'zasukati rukave'?
Kada koristimo ovaj idiom?
The idiom specifically refers to starting hard work.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English equivalent.
Spoji parove:
These are all related idioms for starting work.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ispit je sutra!' B: 'Znam, moramo ______.'
Rolling up sleeves is the correct idiom for studying hard.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenVreme je da ______ rukave. (mi)
The present tense first-person plural requires the 'č' stem change.
Kada koristimo ovaj idiom?
The idiom specifically refers to starting hard work.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are all related idioms for starting work.
A: 'Ispit je sutra!' B: 'Znam, moramo ______.'
Rolling up sleeves is the correct idiom for studying hard.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenNo, it is used for any task requiring effort, including studying, coding, or solving emotional problems.
Yes, it is acceptable in a professional but slightly informal/motivational email to colleagues.
They are just two different infinitive forms of the same verb. Both are correct and mean the same thing.
It can be seen as a bit bossy. It's better to say 'hajde da zasučemo rukave' (let's...) to include yourself.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Pljunuti u šake
synonymTo spit in one's palms
Baciti se na posao
similarTo throw oneself into work
Zapeti iz petnih žila
builds onTo strain from the tendons of one's heels
Hvatiti krivinu
contrastTo cut a corner / to slack off
