Significado
Being prone to stealing.
Contexto cultural
In Slovak villages, having a reputation for 'long fingers' could lead to social ostracization for generations. The idiom is common across the former Austro-Hungarian empire, reflecting shared legal and social histories regarding petty crime. Used frequently in tabloid media to describe 'celebrity' thieves or corrupt businessmen. Many folk tales feature a 'dlhoprstý' character who uses their agility to outsmart greedy landlords.
Be Careful Who You Accuse
Calling someone 'dlhoprstý' is a serious accusation of theft. Use it only when you are sure or in a clearly joking context with close friends.
Use in Journalism
If you read Slovak newspapers (like SME or Denník N), look for this phrase in headlines about corruption—it's very common there.
Significado
Being prone to stealing.
Be Careful Who You Accuse
Calling someone 'dlhoprstý' is a serious accusation of theft. Use it only when you are sure or in a clearly joking context with close friends.
Use in Journalism
If you read Slovak newspapers (like SME or Denník N), look for this phrase in headlines about corruption—it's very common there.
The 'Reach' Meaning
Remember that in a political context, it doesn't mean they are pickpocketing; it means they have corrupt influence.
Ponte a prueba
What does it mean if someone says 'Peter má dlhé prsty'?
Peter má dlhé prsty.
The idiom 'mať dlhé prsty' figuratively means to be a thief.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Dávaj si pozor na peňaženku, ten chlap ___ ___ ___.
The standard form is 'má dlhé prsty'.
In which situation is this idiom most appropriate?
You are at a festival and see someone suspiciously looking into people's backpacks.
The idiom is used as a warning against thieves.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Prečo si nenecháš mobil na stole v kaviarni? B: Lebo niekto tu môže ___ ___ ___.
The infinitive 'mať' is used after the modal 'môže'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Prsty vs. Lakte
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosPeter má dlhé prsty.
The idiom 'mať dlhé prsty' figuratively means to be a thief.
Dávaj si pozor na peňaženku, ten chlap ___ ___ ___.
The standard form is 'má dlhé prsty'.
You are at a festival and see someone suspiciously looking into people's backpacks.
The idiom is used as a warning against thieves.
A: Prečo si nenecháš mobil na stole v kaviarni? B: Lebo niekto tu môže ___ ___ ___.
The infinitive 'mať' is used after the modal 'môže'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it's a bit dramatic. It's better to say they have 'nenechavé ruky' (restless hands).
Yes, if used directly toward someone. It's an accusation of being a thief.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'byť čestný' (to be honest) or 'mať čisté ruky' (to have clean hands) are used.
No, it can apply to anything—office supplies, food, ideas, or even influence in politics.
Yes, it's a very common journalistic term for a thief.
This is exactly it: 'mať dlhé prsty'.
Only if you are explaining why you left a previous job where theft occurred, but be very careful with the tone.
Yes, for English speakers. It's a 'vocalic r'. Try saying 'pur-stee' but make the 'u' very short.
Yes, 'mít dlouhé prsty' is identical in meaning and usage.
Literally yes, but people will likely laugh because the idiom is so strong.
Frases relacionadas
Mať nenechavé ruky
similarTo have hands that can't stay still (prone to touching/taking things).
Byť dlhoprstý
synonymTo be long-fingered (to be a thief).
Čisté ruky
contrastClean hands.
Lepiť sa na prsty
builds onTo stick to fingers.
