Signification
Wanting to run away or escape.
Contexte culturel
In Slovak rural tradition, hunting was a common activity. The rabbit's behavior was well-known to every villager, making animal-based idioms very relatable. Similar rabbit metaphors exist in Czech (mít zaječí úmysly) and Polish, reflecting a shared agricultural and folkloric history. Today, the phrase is popular in 'office slang' to describe colleagues who are likely to quit their jobs soon. Classic authors like Martin Kukučín used this idiom to describe characters who were shy or lacked social courage in village settings.
Use it to be polite
If you want to leave a party, saying 'Mám zajačie úmysly' sounds more charming and less rude than 'I am bored.'
Plural only!
Never say 'zajačí úmysel'. It sounds like you have exactly one specific plan, which ruins the idiom.
Signification
Wanting to run away or escape.
Use it to be polite
If you want to leave a party, saying 'Mám zajačie úmysly' sounds more charming and less rude than 'I am bored.'
Plural only!
Never say 'zajačí úmysel'. It sounds like you have exactly one specific plan, which ruins the idiom.
The 'Dostať' variant
Use 'dostal som' if the urge to leave was sudden, like seeing an ex-boyfriend enter the room.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Keď uvidel tú kopu riadu, hneď dostal _______ úmysly.
The idiom is 'zajačie úmysly' (rabbit intentions).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the correct option:
The idiom means wanting to leave/escape, usually due to boredom or fear.
Match the situation to the feeling.
You are at a wedding and you don't know anyone. You feel like going home.
Wanting to leave a social situation is the primary use of this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Prečo si taký nervózny?' B: 'Ten pohovor je ťažký, už ______.'
The person wants to escape the difficult interview.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKeď uvidel tú kopu riadu, hneď dostal _______ úmysly.
The idiom is 'zajačie úmysly' (rabbit intentions).
Select the correct option:
The idiom means wanting to leave/escape, usually due to boredom or fear.
You are at a wedding and you don't know anyone. You feel like going home.
Wanting to leave a social situation is the primary use of this idiom.
A: 'Prečo si taký nervózny?' B: 'Ten pohovor je ťažký, už ______.'
The person wants to escape the difficult interview.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds like you are personifying the rabbit. Usually, it's only for humans.
No, it's mostly humorous or descriptive. However, don't use it for someone in a truly tragic situation.
'Mať' means you currently feel like leaving. 'Dostať' means the feeling just arrived.
Not really an idiom, but you would say 'zvažovať odchod' (considering departure).
Only if you are joking about a past situation. Don't say you have them *now*!
It can imply a bit of cowardice, but often it just means you are uncomfortable or bored.
Nemám zajačie úmysly.
Yes, Czech and Polish have almost identical versions.
Yes: 'Mali sme zajačie úmysly.'
People will understand you, but they will know you are a learner because it's not the standard form.
Expressions liées
vziať nohy na plecia
builds onTo run away very fast.
mať maslo na hlave
similarTo have something to hide.
zmiznúť ako gáfor
similarTo disappear completely and suddenly.
stáť ako prikovaný
contrastTo stand still, unable to move.
