Signification
To be gone or away
Contexte culturel
Czechs have a long tradition of hunting, which influenced many idioms. While 'trap' here is likely about movement, many Czechs associate it with the 'trap' (past) of a hunter, reflecting a culture that values the outdoors and traditional sports. The phrase is a staple in 'chatař' (cottage-goer) culture films. It represents the frustration of things not going as planned during a weekend getaway. In Prague, this is the unofficial slogan for the DPP (Public Transport Company) among frustrated commuters who just missed their connection. Young Czechs use 'v trapu' on Instagram or TikTok when a trend is over or when they've 'ghosted' someone.
Use 'už'
This idiom almost always sounds more natural with the word 'už' (already). E.g., 'Už je v trapu.'
Not for funerals
Never use this to say someone has died. It is too casual and would be offensive.
Signification
To be gone or away
Use 'už'
This idiom almost always sounds more natural with the word 'už' (already). E.g., 'Už je v trapu.'
Not for funerals
Never use this to say someone has died. It is too casual and would be offensive.
The Shrug
When you say 'je to v trapu', accompany it with a small shoulder shrug for maximum Czech authenticity.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'být'.
Kde jsou moje klíče? Už zase ____ v trapu!
The subject 'klíče' (keys) is plural, so we use 'jsou'.
Which situation is best for 'být v trapu'?
Vyberte správnou situaci:
'Být v trapu' is used when something (like a flight) is gone.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Chceš ten poslední kousek pizzy? B: Pozdě, už ____.
'Je v trapu' means it's gone (someone ate it).
Match the Czech sentence with the English meaning.
Spojte věty:
All these are common uses of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKde jsou moje klíče? Už zase ____ v trapu!
The subject 'klíče' (keys) is plural, so we use 'jsou'.
Vyberte správnou situaci:
'Být v trapu' is used when something (like a flight) is gone.
A: Chceš ten poslední kousek pizzy? B: Pozdě, už ____.
'Je v trapu' means it's gone (someone ate it).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
All these are common uses of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's an archaic term for a horse's trot. You won't use it outside of this idiom unless you are a horse trainer.
Yes! If someone annoying leaves, you can happily say 'Konečně je v trapu!' (Finally he's gone!).
No, 'trapu' is always singular, even if you are talking about many things (e.g., 'Peníze jsou v trapu').
Not rude, but very informal. Don't use it with your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
'Pryč' is neutral (gone). 'V trapu' is idiomatic and adds a feeling of 'it's over' or 'it happened fast'.
Yes, it's a cool way to say 'I'm out of here' or 'I'm off'.
Usually it's neutral or slightly negative (loss), but it can be positive if something bad is finally gone.
Like an 'f'. Try saying 'f-trapu'.
Yes, Slovaks use a very similar version: 'v trape'.
Yes! 'Čas je v trapu' (Time is gone/wasted).
Expressions liées
Být v tahu
synonymTo be down the drain / ruined
Být v prachu
similarTo be in the dust
Zmizet po anglicku
specialized formTo take French leave
Je to v háji
similarIt's screwed / It's gone wrong
