Signification
Literally 'the horse leg sticks out', meaning a secret is revealed.
Contexte culturel
In Hungary, calling out the 'lóláb' is often seen as a sign of being 'életrevaló' (fit for life/clever). It's a social game of cat and mouse. In rural Transylvanian folklore, stories of the devil in disguise are still told to children, reinforcing the literal image of the 'lóláb'. On Hungarian forums like Reddit (r/hungary), 'kilóg a lóláb' is frequently used to flag 'astroturfing' or fake marketing posts. While informal, using this in a negotiation can be a powerful way to signal that you are not being fooled by a bad deal.
Use it for 'Too good to be true'
If an offer seems too perfect, say 'Itt valahol kilóg a lóláb' (The horse leg is sticking out somewhere here).
Don't use for accidents
If someone's slip is showing or their fly is unzipped, do NOT use this. It's for moral/logical secrets, not physical ones.
Signification
Literally 'the horse leg sticks out', meaning a secret is revealed.
Use it for 'Too good to be true'
If an offer seems too perfect, say 'Itt valahol kilóg a lóláb' (The horse leg is sticking out somewhere here).
Don't use for accidents
If someone's slip is showing or their fly is unzipped, do NOT use this. It's for moral/logical secrets, not physical ones.
Personalize it
Saying 'Kilóg a lólábad' (Your horse leg is sticking out) is a very native way to playfully or seriously call someone out.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Hiába hazudsz, kilóg a _______!
The standard idiom is 'kilóg a lóláb'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Kilóg a lóláb'?
Péter azt mondja, nem éhes, de...
The pizza box is the 'horse leg' that reveals his true intention/action.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: Miért dicsér ennyire a főnök? B: Szerintem túlórázni kell majd a hétvégén, _________.
The present tense 'kilóg a lóláb' is used to describe a current suspicious situation.
Match the person to the reason their 'lóláb' is sticking out.
1. A politikus 2. A gyerek 3. Az eladó
Each situation involves a hidden motive being revealed by a physical or logical detail.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHiába hazudsz, kilóg a _______!
The standard idiom is 'kilóg a lóláb'.
Péter azt mondja, nem éhes, de...
The pizza box is the 'horse leg' that reveals his true intention/action.
A: Miért dicsér ennyire a főnök? B: Szerintem túlórázni kell majd a hétvégén, _________.
The present tense 'kilóg a lóláb' is used to describe a current suspicious situation.
1. A politikus 2. A gyerek 3. Az eladó
Each situation involves a hidden motive being revealed by a physical or logical detail.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be. It's an accusation of lying or hiding something. Use it with friends as a joke, or when you are genuinely suspicious.
Yes, if the birthday person sees the balloons early, they might say 'Kilóg a lóláb, bulit szerveztek!'
Because of the medieval legend that the Devil had a horse's hoof that he couldn't hide.
Always one word: lóláb.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'tiszta lapokkal játszik' (playing with clean cards) means being honest.
No, that's not a phrase. It's always a horse.
Yes, it's a classic that hasn't gone out of style.
Very often, especially in crime novels or political thrillers.
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship with the person.
Almost. 'Cat's out of the bag' is more about the secret being revealed, while 'lóláb' focuses on the *motive* being revealed.
Expressions liées
Lehull a lepel
similarThe veil falls / The truth is uncovered
Csalót szimatol
builds onTo smell a rat/cheat
Átlátszó, mint az üveg
synonymTransparent as glass
Nem most jöttem a falvédőről
contrastI wasn't born yesterday
Vaj van a fején
similarTo have butter on one's head (to have a guilty conscience)
