Meaning
Being very clumsy or unhandy.
Cultural Background
The idiom is the direct opposite of 'Zlaté české ručičky' (Golden Czech hands), which praises Czech manual skill. Slovaks use the exact same phrase ('mať obe ruky ľavé') with the same cultural weight. In many post-communist countries, being 'handy' was a survival skill, making this idiom a common critique of the younger generation.
Use it for yourself
It sounds very humble and funny when you use it about your own mistakes. It makes you sound more native.
Don't use with your boss
Even if your boss makes a mistake, this phrase is too informal for a professional hierarchy.
Meaning
Being very clumsy or unhandy.
Use it for yourself
It sounds very humble and funny when you use it about your own mistakes. It makes you sound more native.
Don't use with your boss
Even if your boss makes a mistake, this phrase is too informal for a professional hierarchy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Můj bratr neumí opravit ani kolo, má obě ruce ______.
The idiom is 'mít obě ruce levé'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct form:
'Ruce' is the correct plural form and it takes the verb 'mít'.
In which situation would you use this phrase?
Situation: Your friend is trying to paint a wall but is getting paint everywhere except the wall.
The phrase is used for manual clumsiness.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Hands vs. Feet Idioms
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMůj bratr neumí opravit ani kolo, má obě ruce ______.
The idiom is 'mít obě ruce levé'.
Select the correct form:
'Ruce' is the correct plural form and it takes the verb 'mít'.
Situation: Your friend is trying to paint a wall but is getting paint everywhere except the wall.
The phrase is used for manual clumsiness.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNot usually. It's a lighthearted critique, but don't say it to a professional craftsman about their work!
Yes, it is gender-neutral. 'Ona má obě ruce levé' is perfectly fine.
Related Phrases
Zlaté české ručičky
contrastGolden Czech hands (very skillful).
Být nešika
synonymTo be a klutz.
Mít obě ruce dozadu
similarTo have both hands backwards.
