Signification
Fear makes things look worse
Contexte culturel
Proverbs are a cornerstone of Croatian social interaction. Using one correctly instantly makes you sound more like a native speaker and shows respect for local wisdom. Many Slavic monsters (like Baba Yaga or various forest spirits) were said to be seen only by those who were afraid, reinforcing the idea that fear creates its own reality. In the era of 'fake news' and viral panics, this idiom is frequently used in Croatian social media comments to tell people to calm down and check facts. Croatian teachers often use this to encourage students before the 'državna matura' (national graduation exams), which are a major source of stress.
Use it for comfort
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is overthinking. It sounds empathetic yet logical.
Watch the gender
Remember 'oči' is feminine plural. Don't say 'veliki oči'!
Signification
Fear makes things look worse
Use it for comfort
This is the best phrase to use when a friend is overthinking. It sounds empathetic yet logical.
Watch the gender
Remember 'oči' is feminine plural. Don't say 'veliki oči'!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
U ______ su ______ oči.
The correct form is 'strahu' (Locative) and 'velike' (feminine plural).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'U strahu su velike oči'?
Situation: Marko thinks a small spider is a deadly tarantula.
Marko is exaggerating a small threat due to fear.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Ana: 'Mislim da me nitko ne voli u novom razredu.' Iva: 'Smiri se, Ana. Tek je prvi dan. ________.'
Iva is telling Ana that her anxiety is making her perceive the situation worse than it is.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesU ______ su ______ oči.
The correct form is 'strahu' (Locative) and 'velike' (feminine plural).
Situation: Marko thinks a small spider is a deadly tarantula.
Marko is exaggerating a small threat due to fear.
Ana: 'Mislim da me nitko ne voli u novom razredu.' Iva: 'Smiri se, Ana. Tek je prvi dan. ________.'
Iva is telling Ana that her anxiety is making her perceive the situation worse than it is.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, it's generally seen as helpful and wise, though it can be sarcastic if used to mock someone's genuine fear.
Yes, if the team is panicking about something minor, it's a great way to bring everyone back to reality.
The singular is 'oko' (neuter), but the plural 'oči' is feminine. This is a common trap for learners!
Expressions liées
Bojati se vlastite sjene
similarTo be afraid of one's own shadow.
Gledati strahu u oči
contrastTo look fear in the eyes.
Strah me je
builds onI am afraid.
Nema straha
contrastNo fear / No worries.
