Signification
Being very nervous or anxious.
Contexte culturel
In Serbia, showing that you are 'na iglama' during a sports match is considered a sign of a true fan. It's common to see people pacing in cafes during national team games. While the phrase is used, the local culture often emphasizes 'čojstvo' (strength of character), so admitting to being 'na iglama' might be done with a bit of self-deprecating humor. The phrase is frequently used in the context of 'sevdah' (longing/melancholy), where waiting for a loved one is a central theme in music and poetry. Second-generation speakers often use this phrase as one of their few 'preserved' idioms because it so perfectly captures the stress of modern life.
Use with 'biti'
For beginners, just stick to 'Ja sam kao na iglama'. It's the most versatile form.
Not for physical pain
Remember, if you actually sat on a needle, don't use this idiom. Just say 'Ubo sam se!' (I pricked myself!)
Signification
Being very nervous or anxious.
Use with 'biti'
For beginners, just stick to 'Ja sam kao na iglama'. It's the most versatile form.
Not for physical pain
Remember, if you actually sat on a needle, don't use this idiom. Just say 'Ubo sam se!' (I pricked myself!)
Add 'baš'
Adding 'baš' (really) makes you sound more native: 'Baš sam kao na iglama!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Čekam rezultate i osećam se kao na ________.
The idiom always uses the plural instrumental form 'iglama'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'kao na iglama'?
Kada bi neko rekao 'Kao na iglama sam'?
The phrase is used for nervous anticipation.
Match the Serbian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Direct idiomatic equivalent.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zašto šetaš levo-desno? B: Sutra mi je venčanje, ________.
The person is nervous about their wedding tomorrow.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to be 'Na Iglama'
Work
- • Interview
- • Promotion
- • Deadline
Life
- • Exam
- • Date
- • Baby
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesČekam rezultate i osećam se kao na ________.
The idiom always uses the plural instrumental form 'iglama'.
Kada bi neko rekao 'Kao na iglama sam'?
The phrase is used for nervous anticipation.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct idiomatic equivalent.
A: Zašto šetaš levo-desno? B: Sutra mi je venčanje, ________.
The person is nervous about their wedding tomorrow.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a professional email to express that you are eagerly awaiting a response.
Yes! You can be 'na iglama' because you are excited about a surprise party or a trip.
'Na žeravici' (on embers) is more intense and usually implies a more painful or desperate wait.
No, 'iglama' is a noun in the instrumental case and does not change based on the subject's gender.
Always 'na' (on). Think of sitting on top of them.
No, that sounds like you are talking about a medical needle or a record player needle. Use the plural.
Very common. You will hear it in movies, songs, and daily talk almost every day in Serbia.
Yes: 'Svi smo kao na iglama.'
Yes, for the emotional meaning. No, for the physical 'numbness' meaning.
The most common are 'biti' (to be), 'sedeti' (to sit), and 'čekati' (to wait).
Expressions liées
Kao na žeravici
synonymLike on live coals.
Cupkati u mestu
similarTo hop in place.
Gristi nokte
similarTo bite one's nails.
Hladan kao špricer
contrastCold as a wine spritzer.
