Signification
The outcome is very uncertain.
Contexte culturel
The 'Babushka' is a central figure in Russian folklore, representing both common sense and a connection to the 'old ways' of knowing. This phrase shows that even her wisdom is seen as limited by the unpredictability of life. This phrase appears frequently in classic Soviet films to characterize characters who are down-to-earth or cynical about government promises. In the fast-paced Russian business world, using this phrase can signal that you are a 'seasoned' professional who doesn't believe in easy success. Russians often avoid saying 'yes' or 'definitely' to future plans to avoid 'jinxing' them. This phrase is a perfect linguistic tool for this cultural habit.
Use 'Это ещё...'
Adding 'Это ещё' at the start makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a layer of 'we're still waiting to see' to the phrase.
Don't over-analyze 'надвое'
Don't try to use 'надвое' in other sentences. It's an archaic word that mostly exists only in this idiom. Stick to 'на две части' for normal speech.
Signification
The outcome is very uncertain.
Use 'Это ещё...'
Adding 'Это ещё' at the start makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a layer of 'we're still waiting to see' to the phrase.
Don't over-analyze 'надвое'
Don't try to use 'надвое' in other sentences. It's an archaic word that mostly exists only in this idiom. Stick to 'на две части' for normal speech.
The Tone Matters
Say it with a slight shrug or a skeptical look. The phrase is as much about your body language as it is about the words.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
Это ещё ______ надвое сказала.
The idiom is fixed with 'бабушка'.
Fill in the missing archaic adverb.
Бабушка ______ сказала.
'Надвое' is the essential part of the phrase meaning 'in two'.
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
Situation: A friend says he will definitely win the lottery tomorrow.
The phrase is used for 50/50 or highly uncertain outcomes.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
— Ты думаешь, наш босс даст нам премию в этом месяце? — ______.
This is a natural skeptical response to a question about an uncertain bonus.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЭто ещё ______ надвое сказала.
The idiom is fixed with 'бабушка'.
Бабушка ______ сказала.
'Надвое' is the essential part of the phrase meaning 'in two'.
Situation: A friend says he will definitely win the lottery tomorrow.
The phrase is used for 50/50 or highly uncertain outcomes.
— Ты думаешь, наш босс даст нам премию в этом месяце? — ______.
This is a natural skeptical response to a question about an uncertain bonus.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsOnly if you have a very close, informal relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, use 'это пока не определено'.
Not inherently, but it is skeptical. It can be seen as dismissive if used to answer a serious proposal.
Because in old Russian villages, grandmothers were the ones who told fortunes and passed down folk wisdom.
Technically yes, but it's very rare. 99% of the time, it's 'сказала'.
Expressions liées
Вилами по воде писано
synonymWritten with a pitchfork on water.
Поживём — увидим
similarWe'll live and we'll see.
Как бог даст
similarAs God gives.
Пятьдесят на пятьдесят
similarFifty-fifty.
