Meaning
Doing something as fast as possible.
Cultural Background
In 19th-century literature, this phrase was the standard way to describe the 'troika' (a traditional Russian carriage drawn by three horses). The word 'дух' also means 'spirit'. In fairy tales, the 'Russian spirit' (русский дух) is a common motif, linking the idiom to a sense of national identity and strength. In big cities like Moscow, 'во весь дух' is often used to describe the frantic pace of commuters in the metro. Russian sports commentators use this to describe the final sprint in cross-country skiing, a very popular sport in Russia.
Phonetic Help
Remember that 'во' is used because 'весь' starts with a 'v' sound followed by another consonant. It's all about making the flow smoother!
Not for Work
Don't tell your boss you're working 'во весь дух' on a report. It sounds like you're running around the office with the papers!
Meaning
Doing something as fast as possible.
Phonetic Help
Remember that 'во' is used because 'весь' starts with a 'v' sound followed by another consonant. It's all about making the flow smoother!
Not for Work
Don't tell your boss you're working 'во весь дух' on a report. It sounds like you're running around the office with the papers!
Pair with Verbs
This idiom loves verbs of motion. Memorize it as a 'package deal' with 'бежать' or 'мчаться'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Мальчик увидел собаку и побежал домой ___ ___ ___.
The correct form is 'во весь дух'. Remember the 'во' and the masculine 'весь'.
Which verb is NOT typically used with 'во весь дух'?
Выберите глагол, который НЕ сочетается с этой идиомой:
'Во весь дух' is used for physical motion, not mental processes like thinking.
Match the situation to the most appropriate phrase.
You are late for your wedding and running to the church.
Extreme urgency and speed are best described by 'во весь дух'.
Complete the dialogue.
— Почему ты так тяжело дышишь? — Я бежал сюда ___ ___ ___, чтобы не опоздать!
The heavy breathing ('тяжело дышишь') is a perfect setup for the 'breath' (дух) idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Во весь дух'
People
- • Running for a bus
- • Running from rain
- • Sprinting in a race
Animals
- • A horse galloping
- • A dog chasing a ball
- • A cat startled
Vehicles
- • A car on a highway
- • A motorcycle speeding
- • A train rushing
Practice Bank
4 exercisesМальчик увидел собаку и побежал домой ___ ___ ___.
The correct form is 'во весь дух'. Remember the 'во' and the masculine 'весь'.
Выберите глагол, который НЕ сочетается с этой идиомой:
'Во весь дух' is used for physical motion, not mental processes like thinking.
You are late for your wedding and running to the church.
Extreme urgency and speed are best described by 'во весь дух'.
— Почему ты так тяжело дышишь? — Я бежал сюда ___ ___ ___, чтобы не опоздать!
The heavy breathing ('тяжело дышишь') is a perfect setup for the 'breath' (дух) idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it must be 'во весь дух'. The extra 'o' is required for pronunciation before the 'vs' cluster.
It's neutral. You can use it in a story, with friends, or in a newspaper article, but avoid it in legal documents.
Mostly running, but also driving, riding a horse, or any fast physical movement.
'Быстро' is just 'fast'. 'Во весь дух' implies you are using all your energy and breath to achieve that speed.
No, that would sound like the computer has lungs. Use 'очень быстро' or 'высокая производительность'.
No, 'дух' has many meanings. Here it means 'breath' or 'vital spirit', not a spooky ghost.
Yes, it is very common in modern Russian, both spoken and written.
No, it's a fixed idiom. You cannot add possessive pronouns like 'мой' (my).
It's typically introduced at the B1 (Intermediate) level.
No, it is always singular: 'во весь дух'.
Related Phrases
во всю прыть
synonymAt full speed/agility
сломя голову
similarHeadlong / Recklessly fast
со всех ног
synonymAs fast as one's legs can carry
черепашьим шагом
contrastAt a snail's pace
на всех парах
similarAt full steam
