Meaning
To waste a good opportunity.
Cultural Background
In Romania, 'noroc' (luck) is a very common greeting and concept. Kicking it away is seen as a major life error. The phrase is equally common in the Republic of Moldova, often used with a slightly more Russian-influenced intonation but the same meaning. In villages, the phrase might be used more literally regarding livestock or tools, but the figurative meaning remains strong. Used frequently in the tech startup scene when discussing VC funding or partnership offers.
Use with 'noroc'
The most natural way to use this is with 'noroc' (luck). It sounds very native.
Don't forget 'cu'
Saying 'a da piciorul' sounds like you are literally handing someone a severed leg. Always use 'cu'!
Meaning
To waste a good opportunity.
Use with 'noroc'
The most natural way to use this is with 'noroc' (luck). It sounds very native.
Don't forget 'cu'
Saying 'a da piciorul' sounds like you are literally handing someone a severed leg. Always use 'cu'!
Dative Case
If you want to sound advanced, use the dative: 'I-am dat cu piciorul șansei' (I kicked the chance).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'a da cu piciorul'.
Dacă nu accepți acest job, ______ unei mari oportunități.
The full idiom requires 'cu' and the verb 'a da' conjugated for 'tu'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'a da cu piciorul'?
Situation:
Ion is wasting a great opportunity (a free trip) for a trivial reason.
Match the Romanian phrase with its English meaning.
Match these:
Distinguishing between literal and figurative use is key.
Complete the dialogue.
Andrei: 'Am primit o bursă în America, dar mi-e frică să merg.' Ioana: 'Ești nebun? ______!'
This is the standard way to encourage someone not to waste a chance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDacă nu accepți acest job, ______ unei mari oportunități.
The full idiom requires 'cu' and the verb 'a da' conjugated for 'tu'.
Situation:
Ion is wasting a great opportunity (a free trip) for a trivial reason.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Distinguishing between literal and figurative use is key.
Andrei: 'Am primit o bursă în America, dar mi-e frică să merg.' Ioana: 'Ești nebun? ______!'
This is the standard way to encourage someone not to waste a chance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt can be a bit blunt, as it implies they are making a mistake. Use it with friends, not your boss.
Yes, but it's usually reserved for more significant opportunities like jobs or travel.
The opposite is 'a profita de o ocazie' (to take advantage of an opportunity).
Usually, yes. It implies that what you kicked away was actually good.
Related Phrases
A irosi
synonymTo waste
A rata o ocazie
similarTo miss an opportunity
A prinde ocazia de aripi
contrastTo catch the opportunity by the wings
A-și bate joc
builds onTo make a mockery of something
