Signification
To deceive or fool someone.
Contexte culturel
In Ukrainian villages, leading a cow or bull by the nose was a daily chore. The idiom reflects a rural past where everyone understood the power of the nose ring. The phrase is often used to describe the frustrating experience of dealing with government offices where one is sent from 'window to window' without results. In the age of 'Tinder', this phrase has seen a resurgence to describe 'breadcrumbing'—giving just enough attention to keep someone interested without commitment. Classic authors like Ivan Kotlyarevsky used similar folk expressions to show the wit of the common people against dishonest officials.
Watch the Tense
Usually used in the present tense because the 'leading' is a process that is happening now.
Not for Bosses
Don't say this to your boss unless you have a very close relationship; it's quite accusatory.
Signification
To deceive or fool someone.
Watch the Tense
Usually used in the present tense because the 'leading' is a process that is happening now.
Not for Bosses
Don't say this to your boss unless you have a very close relationship; it's quite accusatory.
The 'Nose' Connection
If you see any Ukrainian idiom with 'ніс', it's usually about either pride, curiosity, or deception.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'водити'.
Ти вже місяць ___ мене за ніс!
The subject is 'Ти' (you), so the verb must be 'водиш'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
Оберіть правильну ситуацію для фрази 'водити за ніс':
This involves a false promise and stalling, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Match the Ukrainian idiom with its English equivalent.
Знайдіть пари:
These are all related to deception but have slightly different nuances.
Complete the dialogue.
- Він сказав, що поверне борг завтра. - Не вір йому, він уже пів року тебе ___.
The context of a long-term false promise about money is the classic use case for 'водить за ніс'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesТи вже місяць ___ мене за ніс!
The subject is 'Ти' (you), so the verb must be 'водиш'.
Оберіть правильну ситуацію для фрази 'водити за ніс':
This involves a false promise and stalling, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all related to deception but have slightly different nuances.
- Він сказав, що поверне борг завтра. - Не вір йому, він уже пів року тебе ___.
The context of a long-term false promise about money is the classic use case for 'водить за ніс'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt's not vulgar, but it is a direct accusation of lying. Use it with caution.
Yes, if a friend is teasing you, you can say it with a smile.
The perfective is 'повести за ніс', used when the trick is finished.
Close, but 'pulling my leg' is usually just for a joke. 'Водити за ніс' is often for more annoying or serious deceptions.
Expressions liées
Замилювати очі
similarTo distract someone from the truth.
Вішати локшину на вуха
synonymTo tell lies/nonsense.
Дурити голову
similarTo confuse or fool someone.
Задирати ніс
contrastTo be arrogant.
Вводити в оману
specialized formTo mislead (formal).
