Significado
To run fast or start quickly.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects a culture that values 'кмітливість' (quick-wittedness) and physical readiness. It's often used with a smile, showing that Ukrainians use humor even when stressed for time. In rural areas, this phrase might be used when a storm is coming to gather hay or animals quickly. It connects to the agrarian necessity of beating the weather. In the capital, it's the 'motto' of the morning commute. You'll hear it near metro stations and bus stops every day. This is one of the idioms that persists strongly in diaspora communities in Canada and the US, often used by grandmothers to keep grandchildren moving.
Use the Imperative
The most natural way to use this is telling someone else to hurry: 'Бери ноги в руки!'
Not for Bosses
Don't tell your boss to 'take their legs in their hands' unless you want to be looking for a new job!
Significado
To run fast or start quickly.
Use the Imperative
The most natural way to use this is telling someone else to hurry: 'Бери ноги в руки!'
Not for Bosses
Don't tell your boss to 'take their legs in their hands' unless you want to be looking for a new job!
Aspect Matters
Use 'взяти' for the moment you start running, and 'брати' for the general act of hurrying.
Humor is Key
This phrase is meant to be a bit funny. Use it with a smile to lighten the mood of a stressful rush.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Автобус уже тут! Швидше, ____ ноги в руки!
The imperative 'бери' is used to give a command to a friend.
What does 'взяти ноги в руки' mean in this context?
Нам треба взяти ноги в руки, щоб встигнути до закриття магазину.
In the context of a closing shop, the phrase means to move quickly.
Match the situation with the best phrase.
Situations: 1. Late for work, 2. Seeing a ghost, 3. Telling a friend to hurry.
Each form of the verb matches the subject and intent of the situation.
Choose the best response.
— Ой, ми запізнюємося на поїзд! — ...
This is the natural idiomatic response to being late.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formal vs Informal Speed
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosАвтобус уже тут! Швидше, ____ ноги в руки!
The imperative 'бери' is used to give a command to a friend.
Нам треба взяти ноги в руки, щоб встигнути до закриття магазину.
In the context of a closing shop, the phrase means to move quickly.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
Each form of the verb matches the subject and intent of the situation.
— Ой, ми запізнюємося на поїзд! — ...
This is the natural idiomatic response to being late.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNot inherently, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'Get a move on!' It's fine for friends, but too casual for strangers.
No, it's specifically about human movement. For a car, you'd say 'тиснути на газ' (press the gas).
No, it's implied. Adding 'свої' makes it sound like a literal physical action.
Both are correct. Use 'у руки' if the previous word ends in a consonant to make it easier to say.
No, it's better to use 'прошу поспішити' or 'це терміново'.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'не поспішати' (not to hurry) or 'йти нога за ногою' (to walk very slowly) are common.
Yes, it is a universal Ukrainian idiom recognized from Lviv to Kharkiv.
No, that would mean taking your hands into your legs, which makes no sense even for an idiom!
No, it can also mean starting a task quickly, like cleaning or writing.
Мені довелося взяти ноги в руки.
Frases relacionadas
накивати п'ятами
similarTo run away/flee
одна нога тут, інша там
similarBe back in a flash
дати драла
synonymTo bolt
летіти як на крилах
similarTo fly as if on wings
як ошпарений
similarLike someone scalded
