Signification
When something is completely empty.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects the agrarian roots of Russian society. The 'ambar' (granary) was the heart of the household's survival. An empty granary was a tragedy. During the 1970s and 80s, 'deficit' was a key word. People used this idiom to describe the state of shops when basic goods like meat or butter disappeared. Today, it's often used ironically by young people who have 'nothing to eat' despite having a fridge full of condiments, or 'nothing to wear' (хоть шаром покати в шкафу). Classic authors like Gogol and Saltykov-Shchedrin used this phrase to emphasize the poverty of the lower classes or the decay of noble estates.
Add 'пусто' for impact
Native speakers often say 'Пусто, хоть шаром покати' to make the sentence more rhythmic and clear.
Don't change the verb
Never say 'хоть шаром покатил' or 'хоть шаром покатишь'. The idiom only works in the imperative form.
Signification
When something is completely empty.
Add 'пусто' for impact
Native speakers often say 'Пусто, хоть шаром покати' to make the sentence more rhythmic and clear.
Don't change the verb
Never say 'хоть шаром покатил' or 'хоть шаром покатишь'. The idiom only works in the imperative form.
Use it for humor
It's a great way to complain about being broke without sounding too miserable. It adds a bit of self-irony.
Teste-toi
Complete the idiom with the correct form of the word 'шар'.
В холодильнике хоть ______ покати.
The idiom uses the instrumental case 'шаром' to indicate the object being rolled.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'хоть шаром покати'?
Выберите подходящую ситуацию:
The idiom describes absolute emptiness, especially in stores or fridges.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
— Давай перекусим? — Не получится. Я вчера не успел в магазин, и теперь у меня в шкафу...
This is the standard way to complain about having no food at home.
Match the idiom to its meaning in the context of money.
Что значит 'в кошельке хоть шаром покати'?
In the context of a wallet, it means you are completely broke.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesВ холодильнике хоть ______ покати.
The idiom uses the instrumental case 'шаром' to indicate the object being rolled.
Выберите подходящую ситуацию:
The idiom describes absolute emptiness, especially in stores or fridges.
— Давай перекусим? — Не получится. Я вчера не успел в магазин, и теперь у меня в шкафу...
This is the standard way to complain about having no food at home.
Что значит 'в кошельке хоть шаром покати'?
In the context of a wallet, it means you are completely broke.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes! If the parking lot is completely empty of cars, it's a perfect usage.
Probably not. It's too informal. Use 'в бюджете нет средств' or 'офис пуст' instead.
In this context, it means 'even if'. 'Even if you were to roll a ball...'
Yes, but it's an insult. 'У него в голове хоть шаром покати' means he has no brains or thoughts.
No, 'пусто' is the basic word. This idiom is used for emphasis and color.
Expressions liées
пусто как в бочке
synonymEmpty as in a barrel.
ни копейки за душой
specialized formNot a kopek to one's soul.
голь перекатная
builds onThe rolling poor.
полная чаша
contrastA full cup.
