Meaning
Something proceeding very smoothly.
Cultural Background
Butter is a symbol of quality and comfort in Czech kitchens. Using it in an idiom reflects the historical importance of dairy in the Bohemian and Moravian diet. The phrase is identical in Slovak ('ísť ako po masle'), showing the shared linguistic and cultural history of the two nations. In many Slavic cultures, 'greasing' something (often with butter or fat) is a metaphor for making things happen, sometimes even implying a small bribe, though this idiom is purely positive. Czech IT professionals often use this phrase to describe a 'clean' deploy or a bug-free release, showing how traditional idioms adapt to modern technology.
Use it for relief
This phrase is most powerful when you were expecting a problem that didn't happen. It shows you are pleasantly surprised.
Watch the case
Never say 'po máslo'. The 'e' at the end is crucial for the locative case after 'po'.
Meaning
Something proceeding very smoothly.
Use it for relief
This phrase is most powerful when you were expecting a problem that didn't happen. It shows you are pleasantly surprised.
Watch the case
Never say 'po máslo'. The 'e' at the end is crucial for the locative case after 'po'.
The 'Pohoda' factor
Czechs love when things are 'v pohodě'. Using this idiom shows you value a stress-free environment.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb in the past tense.
Včerejší rande ___ jako po másle.
The subject 'rande' is neuter, and the sentence refers to 'yesterday' (včerejší), so we use the past tense neuter form 'šlo'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct form of the idiom:
The preposition 'po' requires the locative case, which for 'máslo' is 'másle'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You finished a difficult project 2 days early with no errors. What do you say?
This idiom is the perfect way to describe a successful and smooth project completion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jak se máš v nové práci? B: Skvěle! Všechno ___.
The standard verb used with this idiom is 'jít' (to go).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Smoothness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVčerejší rande ___ jako po másle.
The subject 'rande' is neuter, and the sentence refers to 'yesterday' (včerejší), so we use the past tense neuter form 'šlo'.
Choose the correct form of the idiom:
The preposition 'po' requires the locative case, which for 'máslo' is 'másle'.
You finished a difficult project 2 days early with no errors. What do you say?
This idiom is the perfect way to describe a successful and smooth project completion.
A: Jak se máš v nové práci? B: Skvěle! Všechno ___.
The standard verb used with this idiom is 'jít' (to go).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is acceptable in a professional but friendly email to a colleague or client.
No, it is mostly used for abstract things like plans, projects, and conversations.
You could say 'drhne to' (it's scrubbing/stuck) or 'jde to ztuha' (it's going stiffly).
Because the preposition 'po' requires the locative case in this context.
Yes, it's a very common variation that emphasizes speed.
Not at all. It is used daily by people of all ages.
No, you don't say 'On je jako po másle'. It describes actions or situations.
Similar, but 'piece of cake' focuses on the task being easy, while this focuses on the process being smooth.
Yes: 'Neboj, půjde to jako po másle.' (Don't worry, it will go smoothly.)
A common slang alternative is 'jde to jako po drátkách' (like on wires).
Related Phrases
Jde to samo
synonymIt goes by itself
Hladký průběh
similarSmooth progress
Být v suchu
similarTo be in the dry / to be safe
Drhnout
contrastTo scrub / to be stuck
Mít z pekla štěstí
builds onTo have luck from hell
