If you’re learning Czech and want to go beyond textbook phrases, idioms are a fantastic way to make your language sound more fluent and native-like. In this post, we’re going to cover 7 Czech idioms that Czech people use all the time.
Note: These aren’t beginner phrases, so if you already know the basics and want to push your speaking skills further, you’re in the right place.
Watch the Full Video Explanation
If you prefer a visual explanation with more examples, watch my video below:
1. Mít obě ruce levé
Literal translation: To have both hands left
Meaning: To be clumsy
English equivalent: To be all thumbs
If someone “has both hands left,” they’re not exactly handy. This idiom is used for people who are bad with tools or manual work.
Examples:
Nepůjčím mu vrtačku, má obě ruce levé.
“I won’t lend him the drill, he’s all thumbs!”
Snažil jsem se opravit zámek, ale mám obě ruce levé.
“I tried to fix the lock, but I am all thumbs.”
2. Být (někde) pečený vařený
Literal translation: To be baked and boiled somewhere
Meaning: To always be hanging around
This colorful idiom refers to someone who is always around, a regular at a place.
Examples:
Petr je zase v té hospodě. Je tam pečený vařený.
“Petr’s at the pub again. He’s always there.”
A: Je Petr zase u nich? B: Jo, je tam pečený vařený.
“A: Is Petr at their place again? B: Yeah, he’s always hanging out there.”
3. Mít v něčem hokej
Literal translation: To have hockey in something
Meaning: To be completely confused
Think of a chaotic hockey match — that’s the feeling this idiom captures. Use it when you’re totally lost or confused, especially with messy topics like grammar.
Examples:
Mám v těch koncovkách hokej.
“I’m totally confused about those endings.”
A: Chápeš ten nový systém? B: Vůbec. Mám v tom hokej.
“A: Do you understand the new system? B: Not at all. I’m totally confused.”
4. Mít opici
Literal translation: To have a monkey
Meaning: To be hungover
If you say “mám opici,” it doesn’t mean you’ve adopted a primate — it means you’re hungover. A funny and widely used expression after a big night out.
Examples:
Včera jsme toho vypili hodně. Dneska mám hroznou opici.
“We drank a lot last night. I have a terrible hangover today.”
Petr nemůže řídit. Ještě má opici.
“Petr can’t drive. He’s still hungover.”
5. Mít něčeho po krk
Literal translation: To have something up to the neck
Meaning: To be fed up
English equivalent: To have had it up to here
You’re overwhelmed or done with something, you’ve had enough. This idiom expresses that perfectly.
Examples:
Už mám té práce po krk. Potřebuju dovolenou.
“I’ve had it up to here. I need a holiday.”
Mám těch reklam po krk.
“I’m fed up with the commercials.”
6. Dělat z komára velblouda
Literal translation: To make a camel out of a mosquito
Meaning: To exaggerate
English equivalent: To make a mountain out of a molehill
This one paints a funny picture. Making a camel out of a mosquito = blowing things way out of proportion.
Examples:
Udělal jsem malou chybu a šéf je naštvaný. Dělá z komára velblouda.
“I made a little mistake and the boss is mad. He’s making a mountain out of a molehill.”
Nedělej z komára velblouda.
“Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”
7. Držet (někomu) palce
Literal translation: To hold thumbs (for someone)
Meaning: Used to wish someone luck
English equivalent: To keep your fingers crossed
Czechs don’t cross fingers, they hold thumbs. This is what you say when someone needs luck for an exam, job interview, or game.
Examples:
Držím ti palce!
“Fingers crossed!”
Drž mi palce.
“Wish me luck.”