Significado
To break a rule or make an error.
Contexto cultural
In Romania, being 'atent' (careful) is a highly valued trait to avoid 'călcatul pe bec' in social hierarchies. The phrase is equally common in the Republic of Moldova, often used with the same informal flavor. Younger generations might shorten it to just 'a o comite', but 'a călca pe bec' remains the classic 'parental' warning.
Use with 'iar'
Adding 'iar' (again) makes it sound very natural: 'Iar ai călcat pe bec!'
Don't use for accidents
If you drop a glass, don't say you 'călcat pe bec' unless it was a rule not to touch the glass.
Significado
To break a rule or make an error.
Use with 'iar'
Adding 'iar' (again) makes it sound very natural: 'Iar ai călcat pe bec!'
Don't use for accidents
If you drop a glass, don't say you 'călcat pe bec' unless it was a rule not to touch the glass.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Dacă Ionuț mai ______ pe bec, va fi pedepsit.
The subject is 'Ionuț' (he), so we use the 3rd person singular 'calcă'.
What does 'a călca pe bec' mean in this context?
Maria a călcat pe bec la petrecere când a vărsat vin pe covor.
In a social context like a party, it refers to a blunder.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You forgot your boss's name during a meeting.
Forgetting a name in a professional setting is a classic 'călcat pe bec'.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosDacă Ionuț mai ______ pe bec, va fi pedepsit.
The subject is 'Ionuț' (he), so we use the 3rd person singular 'calcă'.
Maria a călcat pe bec la petrecere când a vărsat vin pe covor.
In a social context like a party, it refers to a blunder.
You forgot your boss's name during a meeting.
Forgetting a name in a professional setting is a classic 'călcat pe bec'.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
2 perguntasNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. You can use it with friends or family without offending them.
Yes, but usually it implies a mistake that is 'caught' or has a specific consequence.
Frases relacionadas
A o sfecli
synonymTo mess up.
A da cu bâta-n baltă
similarTo make a social blunder.
A fi în culpă
formal equivalentTo be at fault.
A o face de oaie
synonymTo make a fool of oneself.
