A collection of idiomatic expressions in Lithuanian with English equivalents and translations.
| Idioms | English versions |
|---|---|
| Akis apdumti | lit. “to put smoke in the eyes” - meaning you have been deceived by a conman, or maybe a beautiful person |
| Akis ganyti | lit. “to shepherd the eyes” - refers to when someone is admiring the view so much, they forget to pay attention to anything else around them |
| Bala nematė | lit. “the swamp didn’t see” - when you a huge dilemma and are trying to make a decision, you might say “bala nematė” and just go for it. |
| Eiti pas nykštukus | lit. “to go to the dwarves” = to go to the bathroom (used by children) |
| Man šakės | lit. “I have pitchforks” - said when you have some trouble and can’t see an immediate solution, or when you feel overwhelmed by problems |
| Neperšokęs griovio, nesakyk ‘op | Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched (lit. “Don’t say “op” before you jump over the ditch”) |
| Panosė šlapia | wet behind the ears (lit. “wet under the nose”) = to be inexperienced, to still be a child |
| Privirti košės | lit. “to cook some gruel”) = to make a mess, to stir up trouble |
| Varnas skaičiuoti | lit. “to count crows” - refers to daydreaming |
| Neskaičiuok varnų | Stop procrastinating / daydreaming (lit. “Don’t count crows”) |
| Kaip šuniui penkta koja | lit. “Like a dog’s fifth leg” - used to describe pointless actions or purchases |
| Nuo kvailumo vaistų nėra | “There's no cure for stupidity” |
| Obuolys nuo obels netoli rieda | The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree (lit. “An apple rolls near an apple tree”) - meaning: a child is similar to their parents |
| Žodis – sidabras, tyla – auksas | Silence in golden (lit. “The word is silver, the silence is gold”) - Lithuanians don't talk much, or smile, but at least they are good listeners and value silence as a main source of wisdom |
Idioms provided by Ruta Naujokaite, who makes the Lithuanian Dream Podcast
More Lithuanian idioms
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/lithuania/articles/an-introduction-to-the-lithuanian-language-in-10-idioms/
https://matadornetwork.com/notebook/26-funniest-expressions-lithuania-use/
https://www.study.eu/article/11-phrases-you-have-to-know-when-you-study-in-lithuania
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