Meaning
To make grand but unrealistic promises.
Cultural Background
During election cycles in Croatia, the phrase is used almost daily in newspapers to describe 'predizborna obećanja' (pre-election promises). It reflects a general distrust of political rhetoric. In Dalmatia, people are particularly wary of 'big talkers' from the city. If someone comes from Zagreb with a big business plan, locals might use this phrase to keep them grounded. Sometimes, hosts might 'promise hills and valleys' in terms of food and drink to show their generosity, even if they can't afford it. It's a form of 'hyper-hospitality'. Modern Croatian influencers are often accused of 'promising hills and valleys' through filtered photos and lifestyle coaching, leading to a digital resurgence of the phrase.
Use it with 'opet'
Adding 'opet' (again) before the phrase makes you sound very native and appropriately cynical: 'Opet obećavaš brda i doline!'
Don't be too literal
If you use this while actually standing on a hill, people might think you are talking about the view. Context is key!
Meaning
To make grand but unrealistic promises.
Use it with 'opet'
Adding 'opet' (again) before the phrase makes you sound very native and appropriately cynical: 'Opet obećavaš brda i doline!'
Don't be too literal
If you use this while actually standing on a hill, people might think you are talking about the view. Context is key!
The Perfective Switch
Use 'Obećao mi je...' (He promised me...) when you are talking about a specific lie that already happened and hurt you.
Sarcasm Alert
This phrase is almost always used with a slightly sarcastic or tired tone of voice.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Političari uvijek obećavaju ______ i ______.
The fixed idiom is 'brda i doline'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to express skepticism?
Someone tells you they will give you a million dollars tomorrow. You say:
Option B correctly uses the idiom to call out an unrealistic promise.
Match the Croatian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related idioms about deception and empty talk.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Marko: 'Kupit ću ti novi auto idući tjedan!' Ivana: 'Marko, prestani mi ______ ______ i ______.'
Ivana is skeptical of Marko's grand promise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPolitičari uvijek obećavaju ______ i ______.
The fixed idiom is 'brda i doline'.
Someone tells you they will give you a million dollars tomorrow. You say:
Option B correctly uses the idiom to call out an unrealistic promise.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related idioms about deception and empty talk.
Marko: 'Kupit ću ti novi auto idući tjedan!' Ivana: 'Marko, prestani mi ______ ______ i ______.'
Ivana is skeptical of Marko's grand promise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, the idiom requires both 'brda' and 'doline' to be complete. Just 'brda' sounds like you're missing half the sentence.
It's not vulgar, but it is confrontational. It's like saying 'You're lying.' Use it with friends or when complaining about public figures.
Not really. If someone makes a great promise that is true, we just say 'Dao je čvrsto obećanje' (He gave a firm promise).
Yes, though they might prefer 'prodavati maglu' or 'srati' (slang for 'to shit/talk nonsense'), 'brda i doline' is still very common.
Only if you are describing a third party's unrealistic claims. Don't use it to describe your own offers!
'Brda' are hills, 'planine' are mountains. The idiom uses 'brda' because it sounds more rhythmic in Croatian.
It's a regular -ati verb: obećavam, obećavaš, obećava, obećavamo, obećavate, obećavaju.
Yes, the phrase is identical and used the same way across the entire BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) language area.
Yes, just change the verb ending to the feminine: 'obećala'.
This is the exact equivalent. Croatians promise hills; English speakers promise the moon.
Related Phrases
Prodavati maglu
synonymTo sell fog
Pričati bajke
similarTo tell fairy tales
Obećanje, ludom radovanje
builds onA promise is a fool's joy
Kule u zraku
similarCastles in the air
Držati se riječi
contrastTo keep one's word
