Meaning
To forget about something and move on.
Cultural Background
Czechs use this phrase to maintain 'klid' (peace). It's a key part of the national character to not let bureaucracy or small failures ruin one's day. Slovaks use the identical phrase 'hodiť za hlavu'. The cultural usage is virtually the same, emphasizing resilience and moving on. There is a shared 'Habsburg' legacy of using humor and dismissal to deal with complex social rules, making this idiom very popular in the region. In the era of 'cancel culture' and social media stress, Czech influencers often use this phrase to talk about mental health and ignoring 'haters'.
Use it as a command
Don't be afraid to use 'Hoď to za hlavu!' to comfort a friend. It sounds very native and supportive.
Watch the case
Always use 'hlavu' (ending in -u). Using 'hlava' or 'hlavy' will immediately mark you as a beginner.
Meaning
To forget about something and move on.
Use it as a command
Don't be afraid to use 'Hoď to za hlavu!' to comfort a friend. It sounds very native and supportive.
Watch the case
Always use 'hlavu' (ending in -u). Using 'hlava' or 'hlavy' will immediately mark you as a beginner.
The 'Pohoda' connection
This idiom is the secret weapon for achieving 'pohoda'. Use it when things get stressful to remind yourself of what matters.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Udělal jsi chybu, ale teď už to ______ za ______.
The correct verb is 'hoď' (imperative) and the noun must be 'hlavu' (accusative).
Which situation is appropriate for 'Hoď to za hlavu'?
Your friend is upset because...
The idiom is for minor, non-tragic mistakes or worries.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Moc se omlouvám, že jdu pozdě.' B: '_________________'
'Hoď to za hlavu' is a friendly way to accept an apology for a minor lateness.
Match the Czech phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are all related idioms with slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Letting Go in Czech
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUdělal jsi chybu, ale teď už to ______ za ______.
The correct verb is 'hoď' (imperative) and the noun must be 'hlavu' (accusative).
Your friend is upset because...
The idiom is for minor, non-tragic mistakes or worries.
A: 'Moc se omlouvám, že jdu pozdě.' B: '_________________'
'Hoď to za hlavu' is a friendly way to accept an apology for a minor lateness.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related idioms with slightly different nuances.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt depends on your relationship. If your boss is upset about a minor error, it's okay. If it's a major company crisis, it's very rude.
Yes! 'Hoď ho za hlavu' means 'Forget about that guy/ex'.
'Hodit' is the one-time act of letting go. 'Házet' is used for a general habit of being an easy-going person.
The idiom itself is informal. In formal writing, use 'přenést se přes něco' (to get over something).
No, just 'za hlavu'. The possessive is implied and sounds unnatural if added.
Yes, many Czech pop and rock songs use it to talk about freedom and moving on.
Not exactly. 'Zapomenout' is just the loss of memory. 'Hodit za hlavu' is a conscious decision to stop caring.
No, you only throw 'bad' things behind your head. You wouldn't throw a good memory behind your head.
Very! You'll often see 'HzH' or just the full phrase to comfort friends.
That would mean 'in front of the head' and makes no sense in Czech.
No, it's a standard idiom. Everyone from children to grandmothers uses it.
Snažím se to hodit za hlavu.
Not really. It's for mental and emotional worries.
In Czech, it is arguably the most common way to express this specific sentiment.
Related Phrases
pustit z hlavy
similarTo stop thinking about something.
nechat to plavat
similarTo let it be / let it swim.
mávnout nad tím rukou
similarTo wave one's hand over it.
vykašlat se na to
informal alternativeTo screw it / give up.
mít v hlavě
contrastTo have something on one's mind.
