B1 · Intermédiaire Chapitre 38

Idiomatic Expressions

1 Règles totales
10 exemples
1 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the soul of the Russian language by mastering the metaphors that define native conversation.

  • Identify common Russian idioms used in daily life.
  • Interpret the cultural metaphors behind colorful phrases.
  • Apply idiomatic expressions to sound more authentic and natural.
Speak beyond the words.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Common Russian idioms and phrases. Understanding cultural context behind metaphors.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: correctly identify and use at least 10 high-frequency Russian idioms in a conversational context.

Exemples clés (2)

1

Stop hanging noodles on my ears!

Stop lying to me!

Idiomes russes : parlez comme un natif (Идиомы)
2

My hands still don't reach this movie.

I still haven't gotten around to watching this movie.

Idiomes russes : parlez comme un natif (Идиомы)

Conseils et astuces (1)

💡

The 'Break a Leg' Rule

Just like in English, some idioms sound violent but are positive. 'Ни пуха ни пера' is your best friend for exams.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Idiomes russes : parlez comme un natif (Идиомы)

Vocabulaire clé (6)

Идиома Idiom Метафора Metaphor Бить баклуши To idle away / fool around Как снег на голову Out of the blue / like a bolt from the blue Водить за нос To lead by the nose / deceive После дождичка в четверг When pigs fly (literally: after the rain on Thursday)

Real-World Preview

briefcase

Office Chat

Review Summary

  • Literal meaning vs. Figurative usage

Erreurs courantes

Idioms are fixed expressions; you cannot change the number of the noun inside them.

Wrong: Он бьёт баклушу.
Correct: Он бьёт баклуши.

Idioms have fixed imagery; changing the body part ruins the meaning.

Wrong: Я водил его за ухо.
Correct: Я водил его за нос.

You must use the specific metaphor established in the language, not a synonym.

Wrong: Как дождь на голову.
Correct: Как снег на голову.

Next Steps

Fantastic job! Mastering idioms is a huge milestone in your journey. Keep listening and keep practicing!

Watch a short Russian clip and list 3 idioms you hear.

Continue to: Complex Sentence Structure

Pratique rapide (3)

Which idiom means 'to have no time'?

Select the correct expression:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Руки не доходят
'Руки не доходят' literally means 'hands don't reach,' signifying you haven't had time for a task.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Idiomes russes : parlez comme un natif (Идиомы)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'бить'.

Почему ты весь день ___ баклуши?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: бьёшь
Since the subject is 'ты', the verb 'бить' must be conjugated as 'бьёшь'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Idiomes russes : parlez comme un natif (Идиомы)

Correct the idiom in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Он вешает мне макароны на уши.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Он вешает мне лапшу на уши.
Idioms are fixed. You must use 'лапша' (noodles), not 'макароны' or other pasta types.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Idiomes russes : parlez comme un natif (Идиомы)

Score: /3

Questions fréquentes (2)

It means to lie to someone, usually by telling them long, detailed, and false stories. Think of it as 'pulling someone's leg' but more about deception.
No, it's about time and tasks. You use it when you haven't had the chance to do something, like reply to a message or clean your room.
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Formal Register
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