Meaning
Empty promises mean nothing
Cultural Background
In Croatia, skepticism toward authority is often seen as a sign of intelligence. Using this phrase shows you are not 'naivan' (naive). This phrase is understood across Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, reflecting a shared regional history of political instability. In Croatian business, 'getting it in writing' is highly valued because of the sentiment behind this idiom. You will often see this phrase as a hashtag (#obećanjeludomradovanje) under news articles about government plans.
Use it for sarcasm
The best way to deliver this is with a slight roll of the eyes or a shrug.
Don't use it with your boss
Unless you have a very informal relationship, it can sound like you're calling them a liar or yourself a fool.
Meaning
Empty promises mean nothing
Use it for sarcasm
The best way to deliver this is with a slight roll of the eyes or a shrug.
Don't use it with your boss
Unless you have a very informal relationship, it can sound like you're calling them a liar or yourself a fool.
Shorten it
Just saying 'Ludom radovanje' makes you sound very native and fluent.
The 'Balkan' vibe
Embrace the skepticism! It's a key part of understanding the local humor.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to the following situation: Your friend says he will pay for your dinner next time, but he never has money.
Prijatelj: 'Idući put ja plaćam večeru!' Ti:
Since the friend is unreliable, the skeptical idiom is the most natural native response.
Complete the idiom with the correct word.
Obećanje _____ radovanje.
The idiom uses the dative form 'ludom'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A politician promises to double everyone's salary in one month.
Unrealistic political promises are the primary context for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
Ana: 'Šef je rekao da ćemo dobiti slobodan petak.' Ivan: 'Vjeruješ mu? Znaš da je kod njega...'
Ivan is expressing skepticism about the boss's promise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Obećanje ludom radovanje'
Politics
- • Elections
- • New laws
- • Tax cuts
Social
- • Flaky friends
- • Ex-partners
- • Late arrivals
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPrijatelj: 'Idući put ja plaćam večeru!' Ti:
Since the friend is unreliable, the skeptical idiom is the most natural native response.
Obećanje _____ radovanje.
The idiom uses the dative form 'ludom'.
A politician promises to double everyone's salary in one month.
Unrealistic political promises are the primary context for this idiom.
Ana: 'Šef je rekao da ćemo dobiti slobodan petak.' Ivan: 'Vjeruješ mu? Znaš da je kod njega...'
Ivan is expressing skepticism about the boss's promise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn this context, no. It's a general term for someone who is naive or gullible in that specific moment.
No, it's too informal and cynical for professional writing.
It can be about an institution, a company, or even a situation.
It is the dative singular of the adjective 'lud' (crazy/foolish), acting as a noun.
Not really. To express trust, you would say 'Vjerujem ti na riječ' (I take your word for it).
Yes, versions exist in Serbian and Bosnian with the same meaning.
Many Croatian proverbs omit the verb 'to be' to make them punchier and easier to remember.
Yes, 'budala' (idiot) is a common substitute for 'lud'.
Yes, if you are teasing them about being unreliable.
Extremely common. You will hear it almost every week if you follow Croatian news.
Related Phrases
Prodavati maglu
similarTo sell fog
Prazne priče
synonymEmpty stories
Djela, a ne riječi
contrastDeeds, not words
Tko rano rani, dvije sreće grabi
contrastThe early bird catches the worm
Budali je i more do koljena
similarTo a fool, even the sea is only knee-deep
