Signification
To be following closely behind.
Contexte culturel
In the post-Soviet era, competition was often seen as aggressive. Using this idiom in business suggests a high-stakes environment where being second is not an option. Russian sports commentators are very fond of this idiom, especially in cross-country skiing and biathlon, which are national favorites. There is a strong culture of 'Olympiads' (academic competitions). Students often use this to describe their peers in the ranking. In extremely crowded metros, the literal meaning is a daily reality, leading to a shared cultural annoyance.
Use with 'уже'
The word 'уже' (already) is a frequent companion to this idiom, emphasizing that the threat is current.
Dative Case Alert
Always remember: 'кому-то на пятки'. Using 'кого-то' is the most common error for foreigners.
Signification
To be following closely behind.
Use with 'уже'
The word 'уже' (already) is a frequent companion to this idiom, emphasizing that the threat is current.
Dative Case Alert
Always remember: 'кому-то на пятки'. Using 'кого-то' is the most common error for foreigners.
Not just for people
You can use this for abstract concepts like 'years' or 'deadlines' if they are chasing you.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Наши конкуренты наступают нам на ________.
The idiom specifically uses 'пятки' (heels).
Choose the correct grammatical structure.
Как правильно сказать?
The person being followed must be in the Dative case (мне).
Match the sentence to the most likely context.
Sentence: 'Молодые специалисты уже наступают нам на пятки.'
This is a classic use of the idiom to describe generational competition at work.
Complete the dialogue.
— Ты видел результаты забега? — Да, Петров чуть не проиграл. Иванов весь путь ________.
This correctly uses the idiom in a sports context with the Dative 'ему'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesНаши конкуренты наступают нам на ________.
The idiom specifically uses 'пятки' (heels).
Как правильно сказать?
The person being followed must be in the Dative case (мне).
Sentence: 'Молодые специалисты уже наступают нам на пятки.'
This is a classic use of the idiom to describe generational competition at work.
— Ты видел результаты забега? — Да, Петров чуть не проиграл. Иванов весь путь ________.
This correctly uses the idiom in a sports context with the Dative 'ему'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. It can be used in professional settings without any problem.
Yes, e.g., 'Он наступает мне на пятки' (He is on my heels).
'Дышать в спину' is more dramatic and suggests the person is even closer.
Yes, 'Они наступали нам на пятки' is perfectly fine.
Yes, frequently, both in literal and figurative senses.
Usually, yes, because it implies pressure, but it can also be a sign of a healthy competitive market.
No, it's almost always plural 'пятки'.
Very common in business and sports headlines.
Yes, 'Новая модель наступает на пятки старой'.
You say 'Ой, извините, я вам на пятку наступил'.
Expressions liées
дышать в спину
similarTo breathe down someone's neck
идти по пятам
similarTo follow in someone's footsteps / to shadow
оставлять позади
contrastTo leave behind
составлять конкуренцию
specialized formTo compete with
