Signification
Being in a dominant or successful position.
Contexte culturel
The statue of St. Wenceslas on a horse in Prague is the ultimate symbol of this phrase. Meeting 'under the horse' is a daily ritual for thousands. In the Hussite wars, the Czechs developed 'wagon fort' tactics to defeat knights on horses, which adds a layer of irony to the idiom's survival. Czech sports commentators use this phrase almost every time a team gains momentum, especially in hockey or football. Horses in Czech fairy tales are often smarter than their riders, helping them achieve the 'na koni' status.
Use it for small wins
Don't wait for a million dollars. Use it when you find a parking spot or finish a book!
Watch the 'High Horse'
Remember that adding 'vysoký' changes the meaning from 'successful' to 'stuck-up'.
Signification
Being in a dominant or successful position.
Use it for small wins
Don't wait for a million dollars. Use it when you find a parking spot or finish a book!
Watch the 'High Horse'
Remember that adding 'vysoký' changes the meaning from 'successful' to 'stuck-up'.
Combine with 'cítit se'
Saying 'Cítím se na koni' sounds more natural when talking about your own emotions than just 'Jsem na koni'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'být' and the phrase 'na koni'.
Petr vyhrál závod a teď _______ _______ _______.
Petr is 'on' (he), so we use 'je'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'být na koni'?
Kdy je člověk na koni?
Success in work is a classic situation for being 'na koni'.
Match the Czech phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Both idioms describe being in control or successful.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Naše firma získala nového klienta! B: Skvělé, teď _______ _______ _______!
Since 'A' said 'our firm', 'B' responds with 'we' (jsme).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Positive vs Negative
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPetr vyhrál závod a teď _______ _______ _______.
Petr is 'on' (he), so we use 'je'.
Kdy je člověk na koni?
Success in work is a classic situation for being 'na koni'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Both idioms describe being in control or successful.
A: Naše firma získala nového klienta! B: Skvělé, teď _______ _______ _______!
Since 'A' said 'our firm', 'B' responds with 'we' (jsme).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it can be if used to brag in front of someone who just failed.
Yes, to describe a successful project, but keep it professional.
There isn't one perfect idiom, but 'být v úzkých' (to be in a tight spot) is a good contrast.
Because 'na' in this context requires the locative case, and 'koni' is the locative form of 'kůň'.
Yes, Russian has 'на коне' (na kone) with the exact same meaning.
No, that's not a standard idiom. Stick to 'na koni' or 'na vysokém koni'.
Absolutely! The grammar is simple and the meaning is very clear.
Yes, though they might use more slang like 'flexit', 'být na koni' is still very common.
Yes: 'Jsme na koni' (We are on the horse).
Usually, it implies a temporary momentum or advantage.
Expressions liées
Vrátit se do sedla
similarTo get back in the saddle / recover from failure.
Sedět na vysokém koni
specialized formTo be on a high horse / arrogant.
Sázet na špatného koně
contrastTo bet on the wrong horse.
Koňská dávka
builds onA horse dose (a very large amount).
Dostat se do sedla
similarTo get into the saddle.
