Meaning
To get the worse part of a deal.
Cultural Background
Croatians often use this idiom with a sense of 'resigned cynicism'. It's common to hear it in cafes when discussing politics. The phrase is shared across Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, reflecting a common history of rural life and shared linguistic roots. In Croatian sports media, this is the #1 phrase for a team that loses despite playing well. Even in professional settings, Croatians might use this to describe a 'bad deal' without sounding unprofessional.
Use it in Sports
If you want to sound like a native, use this when your favorite team loses unfairly. It's the most natural context.
Don't say 'Debeli'
Make sure to use the comparative 'deblji' (thicker), not 'debeli' (thick). 'Debeli kraj' sounds like a fat person's end!
Meaning
To get the worse part of a deal.
Use it in Sports
If you want to sound like a native, use this when your favorite team loses unfairly. It's the most natural context.
Don't say 'Debeli'
Make sure to use the comparative 'deblji' (thicker), not 'debeli' (thick). 'Debeli kraj' sounds like a fat person's end!
Sympathy
Using this phrase shows you understand the other person's struggle. It's a very empathetic idiom.
Past Tense
90% of the time, you will use this in the past tense. Focus on mastering 'izvukao' and 'izvukla'.
Test Yourself
Popuni prazninu odgovarajućim oblikom glagola 'izvući'.
U jučerašnjoj tučnjavi, Marko je _______ deblji kraj.
We use the past tense (izvukao) because the fight happened yesterday (jučer).
Koji pridjev ide uz riječ 'kraj' u ovom idiomu?
On je uvijek taj koji izvuče _______ kraj.
The idiom is 'deblji kraj' (the thicker end).
U kojoj situaciji bi upotrijebio ovaj idiom?
Situacija: Dvije tvrtke se spajaju, ali jedna gubi sve svoje radnike.
The company that lost its workers is the disadvantaged party.
Završi dijalog.
A: Jesi li čuo da je Ivan dobio otkaz, a on nije bio kriv? B: Da, strašno. Opet je on _______.
The idiom fits perfectly to describe Ivan's unfair situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Croatian vs English Idiom
Practice Bank
4 exercisesU jučerašnjoj tučnjavi, Marko je _______ deblji kraj.
We use the past tense (izvukao) because the fight happened yesterday (jučer).
On je uvijek taj koji izvuče _______ kraj.
The idiom is 'deblji kraj' (the thicker end).
Situacija: Dvije tvrtke se spajaju, ali jedna gubi sve svoje radnike.
The company that lost its workers is the disadvantaged party.
A: Jesi li čuo da je Ivan dobio otkaz, a on nije bio kriv? B: Da, strašno. Opet je on _______.
The idiom fits perfectly to describe Ivan's unfair situation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is perfectly neutral and can be used with elders, bosses, or friends.
Yes! 'Izvukao sam deblji kraj' is a common way to complain about a bad situation.
Metaphorically, it's the heavy or punishing part of a stick or situation.
Rarely. You would say 'Izvukli su deblji kraj' (They pulled the thick end), keeping 'kraj' singular.
No, it is strictly for negative or disadvantageous outcomes.
Yes, it's understood, but 'deblji kraj' is more authentic to the Croatian language.
Use the imperfective: 'Izvlačim deblji kraj'.
Constantly. It's a staple of Croatian film dialogue during conflicts.
Yes, if describing a past challenge where you were disadvantaged.
Not necessarily. It can just mean bad luck or a naturally unfair situation.
Related Phrases
Ostati kratkih rukava
similarTo be left empty-handed.
Proći kao bos po trnju
similarTo have a very hard time.
Obrati bostan
similarTo be in big trouble.
Izvući živu glavu
contrastTo barely escape with one's life.
Dobiti po nosu
similarTo get a 'slap on the wrist' or lose a fight.
