Meaning
To start running very quickly.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply linked to the rural past where running from wild animals (bears, wolves) was a real necessity. It reflects a survivalist humor. The idiom is identical in the Republic of Moldova, showing the shared linguistic heritage and the same preference for vivid, physical metaphors. Modern Romanian youth still use this phrase, but often ironically or in memes to describe 'ghosting' someone or leaving a boring event. Classic Romanian literature uses this to humanize characters, showing their vulnerability and fear in a way that readers find relatable and funny.
Master the Reflexive
The hardest part for learners is matching the pronoun. Practice: 'Eu mi-am', 'Tu ți-ai', 'El/Ea și-a'.
Don't use with 'Spate'
Even though 'spate' means back, 'picioarele la spate' sounds like a medical condition, not an idiom!
Meaning
To start running very quickly.
Master the Reflexive
The hardest part for learners is matching the pronoun. Practice: 'Eu mi-am', 'Tu ți-ai', 'El/Ea și-a'.
Don't use with 'Spate'
Even though 'spate' means back, 'picioarele la spate' sounds like a medical condition, not an idiom!
Humor is Key
Use this when you want to sound like a local who doesn't take themselves too seriously.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and verb form for 'I'.
Când am văzut ursul, eu ______ picioarele la spinare.
For the subject 'eu' (I), the reflexive dative is 'mi' and the auxiliary for past tense is 'am'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'They ran away'?
Select the correct sentence:
It requires the reflexive 'și-au' and the fixed preposition 'la spinare'.
Match the situation to the best use of the idiom.
Situation: You are late for a very important meeting and the elevator is broken.
The idiom perfectly describes the frantic running needed in this situation.
Complete the dialogue.
Andrei: 'Vine poliția!' Dan: '______, fugi!'
The imperative 'Ia-ți' (Take your!) is used to give a command to another person.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCând am văzut ursul, eu ______ picioarele la spinare.
For the subject 'eu' (I), the reflexive dative is 'mi' and the auxiliary for past tense is 'am'.
Select the correct sentence:
It requires the reflexive 'și-au' and the fixed preposition 'la spinare'.
Situation: You are late for a very important meeting and the elevator is broken.
The idiom perfectly describes the frantic running needed in this situation.
Andrei: 'Vine poliția!' Dan: '______, fugi!'
The imperative 'Ia-ți' (Take your!) is used to give a command to another person.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. Don't use it with your boss unless you have a very close, joking relationship.
Not really. It implies fleeing or a sudden burst of speed, not a sustained athletic effort.
'Spate' is the general word for back. 'Spinare' specifically refers to the spine or the area where you carry a load. In this idiom, only 'spinare' works.
Yes, it is widely used and understood in the Republic of Moldova as well.
You might be understood, but 'la spinare' is the standard idiomatic form.
Use 'Am plecat în grabă' or 'M-am retras rapid'.
Usually, but it can also just mean being in a huge rush, like catching a train.
Not for this specific idiom, but 'A o lua la fugă' is a shorter alternative.
Yes! It's very common to say a cat or dog 'și-a luat picioarele la spinare'.
Yes, it's a traditional idiom that has been used for centuries.
Related Phrases
A o lua la sănătoasa
synonymTo run away quickly to stay safe.
A fugi mâncând pământul
similarTo run incredibly fast.
A-și lua tălpășița
similarTo leave quickly/secretly.
A o tăia
slangTo cut it (to leave).
