Signification
Being very afraid of something.
Contexte culturel
The rabbit is the most common animal used in Estonian metaphors for cowardice. Children are often called 'jänesed' if they are shy. Similar rabbit-based idioms exist in Finnish and German, reflecting a shared cultural landscape where hares were common prey. In Estonian social media, the rabbit emoji 🐰 is sometimes used as a shorthand for this idiom when someone is admitting they are scared. In Estonian folk tales, the rabbit's split lip is often explained as a result of laughing too hard at someone else's fear, which is ironic given its own reputation.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to sound more native when you're nervous. Estonians find it charming when learners use this idiom.
Don't be too mean
Calling someone else a 'jänes' can be a mild insult. Use it carefully with people you don't know.
Signification
Being very afraid of something.
Use it for yourself
It's a great way to sound more native when you're nervous. Estonians find it charming when learners use this idiom.
Don't be too mean
Calling someone else a 'jänes' can be a mild insult. Use it carefully with people you don't know.
The Negative Form
Remember that in the negative, 'jänes' becomes 'jänest'. 'Mul ei ole jänest püksis!'
Animal Idioms
Estonian is full of animal idioms. If you like this one, look up 'karuteene' (a bear's service/favor that backfires).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Mul on ______ püksis, ma kardan pimedust.
The idiom specifically uses 'jänes' (rabbit).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I am afraid' using the idiom?
Estonian uses the adessive case (Mul) + 'on' for this idiom.
Match the situation to the feeling.
You have to give a speech in front of 100 people and your legs are shaking.
Shaking legs and nervousness are described by 'jänes püksis'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas sa julged hüpata? B: Ei, mul tuli ______.
The standard form is 'jänes püksis'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMul on ______ püksis, ma kardan pimedust.
The idiom specifically uses 'jänes' (rabbit).
How do you say 'I am afraid' using the idiom?
Estonian uses the adessive case (Mul) + 'on' for this idiom.
You have to give a speech in front of 100 people and your legs are shaking.
Shaking legs and nervousness are described by 'jänes püksis'.
A: Kas sa julged hüpata? B: Ei, mul tuli ______.
The standard form is 'jänes püksis'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are correct! 'Püksis' is singular inessive and 'pükstes' is plural inessive. 'Püksis' is slightly more common in the idiom.
Only with close colleagues in a casual setting. Avoid it in formal presentations or with your boss.
No, it usually describes a temporary feeling of fear in a specific situation.
It won't be an idiom anymore. People will just think you literally have an animal in your pants!
You can say 'Ma kardan' or 'Ma olen ärevil', which are more neutral and mature.
Because rabbits are the most famously timid and twitchy animals in Estonian nature.
You can say 'Mul tuli jänes püksis' (A rabbit came into my pants).
Not at all! It is still very much in use by all generations.
Yes, it's perfect for that! 'Seda filmi vaadates oli mul jänes püksis.'
Both are fine. 'Mul' is just the short, more common version of 'Minul'.
Expressions liées
Püksid püüli sõeluma
similarTo be extremely terrified (legs shaking like a sieve).
Süda saapasääres
similarTo lose one's courage.
Argpüks
builds onA coward.
Julge hunt on rasvane
contrastThe brave wolf is fat (Fortune favors the bold).
