Signification
Work will wait, don't rush.
Contexte culturel
The forest is a sacred space in Lithuanian mythology. Escaping to the forest represents a return to freedom and nature, which work (a human construct) cannot do. In many former Soviet countries, this proverb was used to mock the inefficiency of state-mandated labor. It became a form of 'quiet quitting' before the term existed. Despite the proverb, Lithuania has one of the highest working hours in the EU. The phrase is now often used ironically to acknowledge the stress of modern life. In villages, work is seasonal. This proverb is less likely to be used during harvest time (bymetis) when work actually *does* have a deadline set by nature.
Use it for bonding
Using this with a colleague during a break is a great way to show you are 'one of them' and understand the local work culture.
Watch the tone
If said with a grumpy face, it sounds like you are refusing to work. Say it with a smile to make it a joke.
Signification
Work will wait, don't rush.
Use it for bonding
Using this with a colleague during a break is a great way to show you are 'one of them' and understand the local work culture.
Watch the tone
If said with a grumpy face, it sounds like you are refusing to work. Say it with a smile to make it a joke.
The 'Wolf' Emoji
In Lithuanian Slack or Teams channels, just posting a wolf emoji 🐺 can sometimes be enough to signal 'let's take a break'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing animal to complete the proverb.
Darbas ne ______, į mišką nepabėgs.
The traditional proverb uses 'vilkas' (wolf).
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to use this phrase?
Choose the best context:
The phrase is informal and used to encourage relaxation in low-stakes environments.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Ar pabaigsi projektą šiandien? B: Ne, aš labai pavargau. ________.
This is the natural way to justify stopping work for the day.
Which grammatical case is used for 'mišką' in the phrase?
Identify the case:
The preposition 'į' requires the accusative case to show direction.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDarbas ne ______, į mišką nepabėgs.
The traditional proverb uses 'vilkas' (wolf).
Choose the best context:
The phrase is informal and used to encourage relaxation in low-stakes environments.
A: Ar pabaigsi projektą šiandien? B: Ne, aš labai pavargau. ________.
This is the natural way to justify stopping work for the day.
Identify the case:
The preposition 'į' requires the accusative case to show direction.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is very popular among all generations, though young people often use it ironically.
You can use 'zuikis' (bunny) or 'triušis' (rabbit), but 'vilkas' is the most standard.
Generally, yes. It implies you aren't taking your duties seriously unless you have a very close, informal relationship.
Because the forest is where wild animals hide and disappear from human sight.
Expressions liées
Visų darbų neperdirbsi
similarYou won't finish all the work.
Skubos darbą velnias renka
similarThe devil collects hurried work.
Ką gali padaryti šiandien, neatidėk rytojui
contrastDon't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Darbas meistrą giria
builds onThe work praises the master.
