Exercises on Common Idiomatic Expressions in Bosnian: Meaning and Usage

Idiomatic expressions are an integral part of the Bosnian language, offering color and depth that go beyond literal meanings. These phrases often baffle learners because their meanings cannot be deduced from the individual words. For instance, the Bosnian idiom "pasti s Marsa" translates directly to "fall from Mars," yet it is used to describe someone who is clueless or completely unaware of a situation. Understanding and using these idiomatic expressions correctly can significantly enhance your fluency and comprehension of Bosnian, making your conversations more authentic and engaging. In this section, you will find a variety of exercises designed to help you grasp the meanings and appropriate contexts for common Bosnian idiomatic expressions. Each exercise focuses on different aspects, such as matching idioms with their meanings, filling in the blanks, and using idioms in sentences. By practicing these exercises, you'll not only expand your vocabulary but also develop a deeper understanding of the cultural nuances embedded in the Bosnian language. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, these exercises will provide valuable practice to help you master the art of using idiomatic expressions naturally and confidently.

Exercise 1

1. On je *skočio* kao oparen (action after being surprised).

2. Ona je *pala* s nogu od umora (expression for extreme tiredness).

3. Njegove riječi su bile *med i mlijeko* (expression for something very pleasant).

4. Ne vjerujem mu, stalno *mijenja* ploču (expression for frequently changing opinions).

5. Zbog tebe mi je *pukao* film (expression for losing patience).

6. On uvijek ide *glavom* kroz zid (expression for being very stubborn).

7. Radim od jutra do *mraka* (expression for working all day).

8. Ona je pala s *kruške* (expression for being confused or disoriented).

9. On je *čist* kao suza (expression for someone who is very honest or innocent).

10. Sve je bilo *glatko* kao po loju (expression for something going very smoothly).

Exercise 2

1. On je *pao* s nogu od umora (verb for falling).

2. Uvijek *skače* sa teme na temu (verb for jumping).

3. Ona se uvijek *petlja* u tuđe poslove (verb for meddling).

4. Imam ga *na oku* (idiomatic expression for keeping an eye on someone).

5. Sve je prošlo *glatko* kao po loju (adjective for smooth).

6. On je *sveznalica* u društvu (noun for know-it-all).

7. Ona je uvijek *na nogama* (idiomatic expression for being active).

8. To je *mačji kašalj* za njega (idiomatic expression for something easy).

9. Ne trebaš *bacati bisere pred svinje* (idiomatic expression for wasting something valuable).

10. On je *na konju* sada (idiomatic expression for being in a good position).

Exercise 3

1. Marko je pao s bicikla i sada ima *modrice* po cijelom tijelu (a sign of injury).

2. Ana je uvijek u *središtu* pažnje na zabavama (center of attention).

3. Kada je čuo vijest, imao je *knedlu* u grlu (a lump in the throat).

4. Ivana je preplavila *more* emocija kad je vidjela rezultate ispita (a body of water, metaphor for many emotions).

5. Milan je uvijek bio *dobar* sa svima u razredu (good, nice).

6. Njena je baka uvijek govorila da je *vrijeme* novac (time is money).

7. Nemoj suditi knjigu po njenim *koricama* (covers of a book).

8. Sara je skakala od *sreće* kada je dobila posao (happiness).

9. Poslije napornog dana, volim se opustiti uz dobru *knjigu* (book).

10. Ivan je uvijek imao *puno* posla u kancelariji (a lot of work).