Signification
Describing someone who tolerates a lot of mistreatment.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects the historical importance of wood as a resource and the physical toughness required in village life. It shows how labor metaphors permeate the language. In modern Hungary, this phrase is often used to describe the 'burnout' candidate—the person who takes on too much because they can't say no. While used for both genders, when used for men, it often carries a stronger negative connotation of lacking 'manly' assertiveness. Many 19th-century Hungarian authors used this to describe the 'oppressed peasant' archetype, making it a staple of literary analysis.
Use it for 'Too Nice' people
If you want to describe a friend who is so nice it's actually annoying because they never choose a restaurant, this is the perfect phrase.
Don't use it for strength
Remember, this is about being a 'chopping block,' not the person swinging the axe. It's about passivity, not power.
Signification
Describing someone who tolerates a lot of mistreatment.
Use it for 'Too Nice' people
If you want to describe a friend who is so nice it's actually annoying because they never choose a restaurant, this is the perfect phrase.
Don't use it for strength
Remember, this is about being a 'chopping block,' not the person swinging the axe. It's about passivity, not power.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Olyan türelmes ember, hogy fát lehet vágni a _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'hátán' (on his/her back).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a 'doormat'?
Melyik mondat helyes?
This correctly uses the 1st person form and the correct context of not standing up for oneself.
Match the Hungarian phrase with its English equivalent sense.
Párosítsd a kifejezéseket!
While all are related, 'fát lehet vágni a hátán' specifically emphasizes the endurance of mistreatment.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesOlyan türelmes ember, hogy fát lehet vágni a _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'hátán' (on his/her back).
Melyik mondat helyes?
This correctly uses the 1st person form and the correct context of not standing up for oneself.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
While all are related, 'fát lehet vágni a hátán' specifically emphasizes the endurance of mistreatment.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt can be. It's often 70% pity and 30% criticism. It implies the person lacks a backbone.
Yes! 'Fát lehet vágni a hátamon' is a common way to complain that you are being overworked or taken advantage of.
Not at all. While the imagery is old, the phrase is used daily in modern Hungarian offices and homes.
Expressions liées
Kenyérre lehet kenni
similarHe/she can be spread on bread.
Jámbor lélek
synonymA pious/gentle soul.
Kiáll magáért
contrastTo stand up for oneself.
Papucs
specialized formSlipper (henpecked).
