Meaning
To perform exceptionally well or impress others.
Cultural Background
The Hussars were the 'rockstars' of their time. Their obsession with appearance and 'cutting the copper' influenced many Hungarian idioms related to pride and performance. In folk music circles, 'kivágja a rezet' is often used to describe a musician who plays a particularly difficult 'csárdás' with perfect precision. On Hungarian Instagram, you'll see this phrase in comments under 'glow-up' photos or successful DIY project posts. In offices, it's a way to give 'kudos' without sounding too stiff or overly formal.
Use it for compliments
Hungarians love when foreigners use idioms. Saying 'Kivágtad a rezet!' to a host will earn you a lot of respect.
Don't forget the 'a'
It's always 'a rezet' (the copper), never just 'rezet'.
Meaning
To perform exceptionally well or impress others.
Use it for compliments
Hungarians love when foreigners use idioms. Saying 'Kivágtad a rezet!' to a host will earn you a lot of respect.
Don't forget the 'a'
It's always 'a rezet' (the copper), never just 'rezet'.
Test Yourself
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom to praise a friend's new car?
A barátod vett egy gyönyörű új autót. Mit mondasz neki?
You need the definite past tense 'kivágtad' and the correct idiom structure.
Fill in the missing verb prefix and ending.
A tegnapi vizsgán Peti ___vág___ a rezet.
In the past tense (tegnap), the 3rd person singular is 'kivágta'.
Match the situation to the correct response.
1. Someone wins a gold medal. 2. Someone burns the dinner. 3. Someone is sleeping.
The idiom is only for positive, impressive performances.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA barátod vett egy gyönyörű új autót. Mit mondasz neki?
You need the definite past tense 'kivágtad' and the correct idiom structure.
A tegnapi vizsgán Peti ___vág___ a rezet.
In the past tense (tegnap), the 3rd person singular is 'kivágta'.
1. Someone wins a gold medal. 2. Someone burns the dinner. 3. Someone is sleeping.
The idiom is only for positive, impressive performances.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but it might sound a bit boastful. It's better to use it for others, or say 'Szerintem sikerült kivágnom a rezet' (I think I managed to nail it).
Not at all! While it has old roots, it is still very much part of modern Hungarian speech and media.
Unless you are in a metal shop, people will assume you mean the idiom. Context is key!
Related Phrases
Kitett magáért
synonymHe/she did their best / outdid themselves.
Remekel
synonymTo excel.
Felsül
contrastTo fail miserably / to embarrass oneself.
Nagyot alakít
similarTo give a great performance.
