Signification
To run away from somewhere.
Contexte culturel
In many Ukrainian folk tales, the protagonist (often a clever peasant) uses their speed to 'накивати п’ятами' from a slow-witted devil or a greedy master. Journalists often use this phrase in headlines when a corrupt official flees the country to avoid trial, adding a layer of public mockery. In rural Ukraine, this phrase is often used playfully among neighbors to describe someone who avoids communal work or 'толока'. During games like 'піжмурки' (hide and seek) or 'квач' (tag), children frequently use this phrase to describe their narrow escapes.
Use for Humor
This phrase is great for making a story sound more 'native' and funny.
Check the Tense
Most people use it in the past tense (накивав/накивали).
Signification
To run away from somewhere.
Use for Humor
This phrase is great for making a story sound more 'native' and funny.
Check the Tense
Most people use it in the past tense (накивав/накивали).
Visualizing
If you forget the word for 'run away', just think of 'waving heels' and the words will come back.
Social Media
You will see this a lot in Ukrainian Twitter (X) when discussing politicians.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the idiom to complete the sentence.
Коли прийшла поліція, злодії одразу ...
The correct idiom is 'накивати п’ятами'.
Fill in the missing word in the instrumental case.
Він так злякався, що накивав ... (heels).
The word 'п’ята' in the instrumental plural is 'п’ятами'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the idiom.
Situation: You see your boss at the mall and you haven't finished your report.
The idiom is perfect for avoiding someone or a difficult situation.
Complete the dialogue.
— Де подівся Микола? — Як тільки він почув про суботник, то одразу ...
People often 'накивати п’ятами' to avoid work (like a 'суботник' - community work day).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Register Comparison
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesКоли прийшла поліція, злодії одразу ...
The correct idiom is 'накивати п’ятами'.
Він так злякався, що накивав ... (heels).
The word 'п’ята' in the instrumental plural is 'п’ятами'.
Situation: You see your boss at the mall and you haven't finished your report.
The idiom is perfect for avoiding someone or a difficult situation.
— Де подівся Микола? — Як тільки він почув про суботник, то одразу ...
People often 'накивати п’ятами' to avoid work (like a 'суботник' - community work day).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it is informal. It can be slightly mocking depending on the tone.
Yes, it's very common to use it for cats, dogs, or even mice fleeing.
The singular is 'п’ята' (heel), but the idiom always uses the plural instrumental 'п’ятами'.
Yes, it's almost a perfect equivalent in meaning and register.
No, that sounds like you are shaking your legs and doesn't mean 'to run away'.
Yes, it is a standard idiom used across all regions of Ukraine.
Only if you are telling a funny story and the atmosphere is relaxed. Otherwise, use 'звільнитися' or 'піти'.
Often, yes. It suggests someone is running away from something they should be facing.
Don't forget the apostrophe after the 'п'! It's п-апостроф-я-т-а-м-и.
Sometimes people just say 'накивав', and the 'п’ятами' is implied, but it's better to use the full phrase.
Expressions liées
Дати драла
synonymTo bolt/scramble away.
Змастити п'яти
similarTo grease one's heels.
Взяти ноги на плечі
similarTo take legs on shoulders.
Змитися
synonymTo disappear/wash away.
Пекти раків
contrastTo blush (bake crawfish).
Стояти як укопаний
contrastTo stand like you're buried (frozen).
