Signification
To predict something accurately.
Contexte culturel
Water is considered a sacred element in Slavic paganism, acting as a portal between the world of the living and the spirit world. Even today, many Russians believe in 'intuition' and will often say 'I felt it' (я так и чувствовал) alongside this idiom. During the Christmas to Epiphany period (Svyatki), it is still a tradition for some to perform 'gadanie' (fortune-telling) using mirrors and water. Russian writers like Pushkin and Gogol often used water imagery to represent the subconscious or the unknown future.
Use 'Прямо'
Add 'Прямо' (exactly) before the phrase to sound more like a native speaker: 'Прямо как в воду глядел!'
Gender Check
Always check if you are talking about a man (глядел) or a woman (глядела). It's a common mistake for learners.
Signification
To predict something accurately.
Use 'Прямо'
Add 'Прямо' (exactly) before the phrase to sound more like a native speaker: 'Прямо как в воду глядел!'
Gender Check
Always check if you are talking about a man (глядел) or a woman (глядела). It's a common mistake for learners.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'глядеть' (past tense).
Моя сестра сказала, что я забуду ключи. Она как в воду ___!
The subject is 'сестра' (sister), which is feminine, so the verb must be 'глядела'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Как в воду глядел'?
Situation: Ivan says it will be a sunny day. 10 minutes later, the sun comes out.
The idiom is used when a prediction comes true.
Match the person to the correct phrase.
Match the subjects to their verb forms.
Verbs in the past tense in Russian agree with gender and number.
Complete the dialogue.
- Я знал, что этот ресторан закрыт! - Ого, ты ___!
Both 'глядел' and 'смотрел' are used in this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesМоя сестра сказала, что я забуду ключи. Она как в воду ___!
The subject is 'сестра' (sister), which is feminine, so the verb must be 'глядела'.
Situation: Ivan says it will be a sunny day. 10 minutes later, the sun comes out.
The idiom is used when a prediction comes true.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Verbs in the past tense in Russian agree with gender and number.
- Я знал, что этот ресторан закрыт! - Ого, ты ___!
Both 'глядел' and 'смотрел' are used in this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes! If someone predicts a disaster and it happens, you can say it. It just means the prediction was accurate.
Yes, 'как в воду смотрел' is very common and means the exact same thing.
No, it's neutral/informal. It's fine for the office but maybe not for a legal document.
Expressions liées
Накаркать
similarTo bring bad luck by predicting it.
Попасть в точку
synonymTo hit the mark/be exactly right.
Предсказать
specialized formTo predict (formal).
Ясновидение
builds onClairvoyance.
