Signification
Speaking very directly or bluntly.
Contexte culturel
In Serbian culture, 'direktnost' (directness) is often equated with 'čestitost' (honor). Being blunt is rarely seen as a character flaw; rather, it's seen as being 'real' (pravi). Montenegrin culture places an even higher premium on 'ojunaštvo' (bravery), which includes the bravery to speak the truth to anyone, regardless of their status. People in Vojvodina are sometimes perceived as more 'polite' or 'indirect' compared to Southern Serbians, so using this phrase there might carry a slightly stronger weight. The phrase is a staple in tabloid journalism and political talk shows to create a 'hero' vs 'villain' narrative based on who is 'brave' enough to speak.
Use it as a disclaimer
Start a difficult sentence with 'Biću bez dlake na jeziku...' to soften the blow of a harsh truth.
Don't overdo it
If you are 'bez dlake na jeziku' all the time, people might think you are 'nepristojan' (rude).
Signification
Speaking very directly or bluntly.
Use it as a disclaimer
Start a difficult sentence with 'Biću bez dlake na jeziku...' to soften the blow of a harsh truth.
Don't overdo it
If you are 'bez dlake na jeziku' all the time, people might think you are 'nepristojan' (rude).
Compliment or Insult?
In Serbia, this is 80% of the time a compliment for being brave and honest.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Marko uvek kaže istinu, on je čovek bez ______ na ______.
The correct idiom is 'bez dlake na jeziku'.
Which sentence is the most natural use of the idiom?
How would you describe a very honest journalist?
This is the standard way to describe someone's professional honesty.
Match the response to the situation.
Your friend asks: 'Do you like my new car?' (You hate it and want to be honest).
Using the phrase as an introduction to honest feedback is very common.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zašto se Ivana naljutila na tebe? B: Zato što sam bio ________ i rekao joj da greši.
Being 'bez dlake na jeziku' often leads to people getting angry at your honesty.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMarko uvek kaže istinu, on je čovek bez ______ na ______.
The correct idiom is 'bez dlake na jeziku'.
How would you describe a very honest journalist?
This is the standard way to describe someone's professional honesty.
Your friend asks: 'Do you like my new car?' (You hate it and want to be honest).
Using the phrase as an introduction to honest feedback is very common.
A: Zašto se Ivana naljutila na tebe? B: Zato što sam bio ________ i rekao joj da greši.
Being 'bez dlake na jeziku' often leads to people getting angry at your honesty.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot inherently. It describes honesty. However, the truth itself can be rude depending on the context.
Yes! 'Ja sam bez dlake na jeziku' is a common way to describe yourself.
There isn't one single idiom, but you could say someone is 'proračunat' (calculating) or 'neiskren' (dishonest).
Usually, yes. We use it when the truth is difficult or uncomfortable to say.
It is 'dlake' (Genitive singular) because of the preposition 'bez'.
Expressions liées
Što na umu, to na drumu
synonymWhat's on the mind is on the road.
Reći popu pop, a bobu bob
similarTo call a spade a spade.
Oštar na jeziku
similarSharp-tongued.
Prećutati
contrastTo keep silent / not say something.
Uviti u oblandu
contrastTo sugarcoat (wrap in a wafer).
