Meaning
To have a guilty conscience.
Cultural Background
In Croatia, the word 'putar' is a Germanism (from 'Butter'). Using it instead of the standard 'maslac' gives the idiom an urban, slightly old-fashioned feel, typical of Zagreb's 'purgerski' dialect. In coastal regions, you might hear 'maslo' instead of 'putar'. The meaning remains identical, but the flavor is more Mediterranean. This is perhaps the most used idiom in Croatian political journalism. It is the standard way to describe a 'compromised' candidate. Calling someone out for having 'butter on their head' is a direct confrontation. It's often used in 'svadbe' (weddings) or 'kave' (coffee chats) when gossip turns into accusations.
Use 'Putar', not 'Maslac'
Even if your dictionary says 'maslac', always use 'putar' for this idiom to sound like a native.
Don't be too aggressive
This is a strong idiom. Using it in a professional meeting might be seen as an insult unless the evidence is clear.
Meaning
To have a guilty conscience.
Use 'Putar', not 'Maslac'
Even if your dictionary says 'maslac', always use 'putar' for this idiom to sound like a native.
Don't be too aggressive
This is a strong idiom. Using it in a professional meeting might be seen as an insult unless the evidence is clear.
The 'Melting' Visual
When you say it, imagine the butter melting. It helps you remember that the secret is 'leaking out'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
On ne smije ništa reći jer ima previše ______ na glavi.
The idiom is 'imati putra na glavi'.
Which situation best fits the idiom?
A politician who was caught stealing money is now complaining about high taxes. You say:
The idiom is used for hypocrites with a guilty past.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Zašto Marko ne želi ići na policiju prijaviti krađu? B: Zato što i sam ______.
He doesn't want to go to the police because he has his own secrets/guilt.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'Imati putra na glavi' with its figurative meaning.
The phrase is a metaphor for hidden guilt.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use this idiom
Politics
- • Corruption
- • Scandals
- • Hypocrisy
Personal
- • Cheating
- • Lying to friends
- • Secrets
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOn ne smije ništa reći jer ima previše ______ na glavi.
The idiom is 'imati putra na glavi'.
A politician who was caught stealing money is now complaining about high taxes. You say:
The idiom is used for hypocrites with a guilty past.
A: Zašto Marko ne želi ići na policiju prijaviti krađu? B: Zato što i sam ______.
He doesn't want to go to the police because he has his own secrets/guilt.
Match 'Imati putra na glavi' with its figurative meaning.
The phrase is a metaphor for hidden guilt.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but they often say 'imati masla na glavi' or 'imati oraha u džepu'.
Yes, it can be used for anything from a small white lie to a massive crime.
It is accusatory. Use it with friends as a joke, or in serious arguments to point out hypocrisy.
Because of the folk story where the thief hid the butter under her hat/scarf.
The opposite is 'imati čistu savjest' (to have a clean conscience).
No, the idiom is fixed as 'na glavi' (on the head).
Extremely common, especially in headlines about corruption.
Very similar, but 'skeletons' implies a secret that is dead and buried, while 'butter' implies something that is currently melting and revealing itself.
Yes, you can say 'Imam i ja malo putra na glavi' to admit you aren't perfect.
It's a common dialectal word, but 'maslac' is the official standard word.
Related Phrases
Čista savjest
contrastA clean conscience.
Kostur u ormaru
similarSkeleton in the closet.
Imati prljave ruke
similarTo have dirty hands.
Gledati kroz prste
builds onTo look through one's fingers (to turn a blind eye).
