Signification
Telling stories that are not true.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is a 'linguistic fossil' from the 19th century. Despite its literal wording, it is not considered a hate speech term in modern Lithuania, though its origins are rooted in old stereotypes of the 'mysterious East.' Arabic speakers might find the idiom curious. It's a great conversation starter to explain how languages preserve historical perceptions of other cultures. Similar idioms exist across Eastern Europe (like 'hanging noodles' in Russia/Lithuania), showing a shared cultural approach to calling out deception with humor. In the age of 'fake news,' this idiom has seen a resurgence in Lithuanian social media comments to debunk unrealistic lifestyle posts.
Use it sarcastically
The best way to use this is with a slightly raised eyebrow. It shows you are smart enough to catch the lie.
Not for the police
Never use this with authorities. It's too informal and might be seen as mocking.
Signification
Telling stories that are not true.
Use it sarcastically
The best way to use this is with a slightly raised eyebrow. It shows you are smart enough to catch the lie.
Not for the police
Never use this with authorities. It's too informal and might be seen as mocking.
The 'Pasta' alternative
If you want to sound even more like a local, try 'Nekabink man makaronų'—it's the most popular 'sibling' of this phrase.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'pūsti'.
Mano brolis visada _______ arabus apie savo pažymius.
The sentence implies a general habit (always), so the present tense 'pučia' is most appropriate.
Which of these is the correct idiom for lying?
Nustok...
'Pūsti arabus' is the fixed idiom for lying. 'Pūsti balionus' means literally blowing balloons.
Match the Lithuanian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are standard translations for these honesty-related phrases.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'Aš laimėjau milijoną!' B: 'Baik _______, tu neturi net bilieto!'
'Pūsti arabus' fits best here as it's a direct reaction to a specific, unbelievable lie.
In which situation would you use 'pūsti arabus'?
Choose the best context:
The phrase is informal and used for unbelievable stories, making the ghost story the perfect context.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Pūsti Arabus vs. Pūsti Miglą
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesMano brolis visada _______ arabus apie savo pažymius.
The sentence implies a general habit (always), so the present tense 'pučia' is most appropriate.
Nustok...
'Pūsti arabus' is the fixed idiom for lying. 'Pūsti balionus' means literally blowing balloons.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are standard translations for these honesty-related phrases.
A: 'Aš laimėjau milijoną!' B: 'Baik _______, tu neturi net bilieto!'
'Pūsti arabus' fits best here as it's a direct reaction to a specific, unbelievable lie.
Choose the best context:
The phrase is informal and used for unbelievable stories, making the ghost story the perfect context.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIn modern Lithuanian, it is a dead metaphor and not intended as an ethnic slur. However, in sensitive or international contexts, it's better to use 'meluoti' (to lie).
No, it is way too informal. Use 'ši informacija netiksli' (this information is inaccurate) instead.
'Meluoti' is the general verb for lying. 'Pūsti arabus' specifically implies telling a long, exaggerated, or fantastic story.
Aš pūčiau, tu pūtei, jis/ji pūtė, mes pūtėme, jūs pūtėte, jie/jos pūtė.
Yes, though 'kabinti makaronus' is slightly more common among Gen Z. 'Pūsti arabus' is understood by everyone.
No, the idiom is fixed with 'arabus'. You cannot change the nationality.
Yes, it's a very close equivalent to the English 'blowing smoke' or 'telling tall tales'.
Very common. You will hear it in movies, songs, and daily conversations.
Usually, it's for bigger, more elaborate lies or exaggerations.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'sakyti gryną tiesą' (to tell the pure truth) works.
Only if you have a very close, joking relationship. Otherwise, stay with 'meluoti'.
Because you are 'inflating' a small truth into a big, fake story.
Expressions liées
Kabinti makaronus
synonymTo hang noodles (on ears)
Pūsti miglą
similarTo blow mist
Meluoti į akis
similarTo lie to one's face
Vynioti vatą
similarTo wrap cotton wool
Sekti pasakas
synonymTo tell fairy tales
