Meaning
Literally 'watering the mice', meaning to weep.
Cultural Background
In old Hungarian villages, mice were a constant presence in homes. This idiom reflects a time when people lived in close quarters with nature and animals, leading to many animal-based metaphors in the language. Hungarian parents often use humor to distract children from negative emotions. This idiom is a prime example of 'terelés' (redirection), turning a sad moment into a funny image. Many famous Hungarian authors, like Janikovszky Éva, use this phrase to capture the authentic voice of childhood and family life in their books. While Hungarians are known for being emotional, there is a cultural value placed on not 'making a scene' over small things. This idiom helps enforce that boundary in a gentle way.
Use it with kids
This is the 'golden zone' for this idiom. It makes you sound like a natural, caring Hungarian speaker.
Watch the tone
If said with a mean voice, it can sound like you are bullying someone. Keep it light and airy.
Meaning
Literally 'watering the mice', meaning to weep.
Use it with kids
This is the 'golden zone' for this idiom. It makes you sound like a natural, caring Hungarian speaker.
Watch the tone
If said with a mean voice, it can sound like you are bullying someone. Keep it light and airy.
The 'Ne' rule
You will hear 'Ne itasd az egereket!' 90% of the time. Memorize this imperative form first.
The 'Mice' connection
Hungarians have many mouse idioms. Mice are seen as small, busy, and slightly annoying but harmless.
Test Yourself
Which sentence is the most appropriate use of the idiom?
A barátod sír, mert nem sikerült a süteménye. Mit mondasz neki?
Option 'a' is a perfect informal, comforting/teasing use of the idiom for a minor problem.
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Ne itasd az ________!
The idiom specifically uses 'egereket' (mice).
Match the situation to the correct expression.
Situation: A child is crying because they have to go home from the playground.
This is a classic 'watering the mice' situation—minor childhood disappointment.
Complete the dialogue.
Kisfiú: *sír* Anya: Miért ________ már megint az egereket?
The mother is speaking to the child (2nd person singular), so 'itatod' is the correct conjugation.
Match the Hungarian phrase with its English equivalent tone.
Match the pairs:
These are all correct pairings of crying-related terms.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
When to use vs. When to avoid
Use it! ✅
- • Dropped ice cream
- • Sad movie
- • Broken toy
Avoid! ❌
- • Funeral
- • Job loss
- • Serious injury
Practice Bank
5 exercisesA barátod sír, mert nem sikerült a süteménye. Mit mondasz neki?
Option 'a' is a perfect informal, comforting/teasing use of the idiom for a minor problem.
Ne itasd az ________!
The idiom specifically uses 'egereket' (mice).
Situation: A child is crying because they have to go home from the playground.
This is a classic 'watering the mice' situation—minor childhood disappointment.
Kisfiú: *sír* Anya: Miért ________ már megint az egereket?
The mother is speaking to the child (2nd person singular), so 'itatod' is the correct conjugation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all correct pairings of crying-related terms.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in a self-deprecating way. 'Már megint itatom az egereket' (I'm watering the mice again) works if you're crying over a commercial.
It can be if the person is truly suffering. Use it for 'small' tears only.
Yes, the definite article is required for the idiom to be recognizable.
The idiom is fixed in the plural. 'Itatja az egeret' is not used.
No, the idiom is inherently informal. In formal settings, just use 'sír' (to cry).
Mostly, but also for adults in very close, playful relationships.
No, that's 'krokodilkönnyek'. This is for real but minor crying.
Itatjuk az egereket.
Absolutely. It's a timeless part of Hungarian family life.
No, it's a metaphor for humans.
Related Phrases
töri a mécsest
similarTo pout or be on the verge of tears.
eltörött a mécses
similarTo burst into tears.
sír, mint a záporeső
similarTo cry very hard (like a rain shower).
pityereg
specialized formTo whimper or snivel.
krokodilkönnyek
contrastCrocodile tears (fake crying).
vigasztal
builds onTo comfort someone.
