Significado
To have a close, informal relationship.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'blat' (informal influence) is central here. Being 'на короткой ноге' is often seen as a more reliable asset than a formal contract. In the works of Gogol and Dostoevsky, characters often lie about being 'на короткой ноге' with high-ranking officials to gain social standing. Influencers often use this phrase to describe their relationships with brands or other celebrities to build 'social proof.' During the deficit era, being 'на короткой ноге' with a shop manager meant you could get high-quality goods 'under the counter.'
Master the Instrumental
The most common error is the case. Always pair this idiom with 'с' + Instrumental. Practice: 'с ним', 'с ней', 'с ними'.
Watch the Tone
In a professional setting, saying someone is 'на короткой ноге' with the boss can sound like you're accusing them of favoritism. Use it carefully.
Significado
To have a close, informal relationship.
Master the Instrumental
The most common error is the case. Always pair this idiom with 'с' + Instrumental. Practice: 'с ним', 'с ней', 'с ними'.
Watch the Tone
In a professional setting, saying someone is 'на короткой ноге' with the boss can sound like you're accusing them of favoritism. Use it carefully.
The 'Blat' Connection
This phrase is the linguistic key to understanding Russian social networks. It's not just about friendship; it's about access.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words using the correct case.
Он уже давно на короткой ноге ___ (наш директор).
The idiom requires the preposition 'с' and the Instrumental case.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'быть на короткой ноге'?
Выберите ситуацию:
The idiom describes privileged, informal access to someone influential.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
— Как тебе удалось так быстро получить визу? — Мой дядя ... с консулом.
The standard form 'на короткой ноге' is used here to describe the uncle's relationship.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
1. Быть на короткой ноге 2. Перейти на короткую ногу 3. Быть на ножах
'На ножах' is the opposite (hostility), while 'перейти' implies the process of becoming close.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosОн уже давно на короткой ноге ___ (наш директор).
The idiom requires the preposition 'с' and the Instrumental case.
Выберите ситуацию:
The idiom describes privileged, informal access to someone influential.
— Как тебе удалось так быстро получить визу? — Мой дядя ... с консулом.
The standard form 'на короткой ноге' is used here to describe the uncle's relationship.
1. Быть на короткой ноге 2. Перейти на короткую ногу 3. Быть на ножах
'На ножах' is the opposite (hostility), while 'перейти' implies the process of becoming close.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasTechnically yes, but it sounds strange. It's better to use 'мы очень близки' (we are very close). 'На короткой ноге' implies a social or professional distance that has been bridged.
Only if the email is to a close colleague. In a formal proposal to a new client, it's too informal. Use 'тесное сотрудничество' (close cooperation) instead.
The most direct opposite is 'быть на расстоянии' (to keep one's distance) or 'соблюдать дистанцию'.
Usually, yes, because it means you have influence. However, it can be used sarcastically to describe someone who is a 'suck-up' or a 'teacher's pet.'
No, that is not an idiom in Russian. To express distance, you just say 'мы не очень близки' or 'мы на вы'.
Not at all. While it has 19th-century roots, it is used daily in modern Russian news, business, and social life.
Yes! 'Я на короткой ноге с соседской собакой' is a very charming and natural way to say the dog likes you.
Use the verb 'перейти' (to cross over): 'перейти на короткую ногу с кем-то'.
No, it's a standard idiom. It's safe for C1 learners to use in most conversational and semi-formal settings.
It likely comes from the idea of walking alongside someone. If you are 'on a short leg,' you are walking right next to them, step-for-step.
Frases relacionadas
быть на ты
similarTo be on informal 'thou' terms.
душа в душу
similarSoul to soul (in perfect harmony).
на ножах
contrastOn knives (at daggers drawn).
запанибрата
specialized formOverly familiar.
