Hebrew is a language rich in history and culture, and like any language, it has its own set of idioms that reflect the unique experiences and perspectives of its speakers. Idioms are phrases where the meaning cannot be inferred from the literal definitions of the words that make them up, and they often provide fascinating insights into the mindset and culture of a language’s native speakers. For English speakers learning Hebrew, understanding idioms can be a challenging but rewarding task. Not only do idioms enrich your vocabulary, but they also help you sound more natural and fluent. In this article, we’ll explore some popular Hebrew idioms and their meanings.
Breaking Down Hebrew Idioms
Before diving into specific idioms, it’s essential to understand why idioms are a crucial part of mastering any language. Idioms often encapsulate wisdom, humor, and cultural nuances that are otherwise hard to translate. They can also vary significantly from one language to another, making them a fascinating area of study.
1. לשים עין (Lashim Ayin)
Literal Translation: To put an eye
Meaning: To keep an eye on something or someone
This idiom is similar to the English phrase “to keep an eye on.” It is used when you want to monitor something or someone closely. For example, if you’re asked to watch over a friend’s belongings, you could say: “אני אשים עין על החפצים שלך” (Ani asim ayin al hacheftzim shelcha), meaning “I’ll keep an eye on your belongings.”
2. סוף העולם שמאלה (Sof Ha’Olam Smola)
Literal Translation: The end of the world to the left
Meaning: A very remote or out-of-the-way place
This idiom is used to describe a location that is extremely far away or isolated. It’s similar to the English phrase “in the middle of nowhere.” For example: “הכפר הזה נמצא בסוף העולם שמאלה” (Hakefar haze nimtza besof ha’olam smola), meaning “This village is in the middle of nowhere.”
3. על רגל אחת (Al Regel Achat)
Literal Translation: On one leg
Meaning: To do something quickly or briefly
This idiom is used when you want to convey that something is done quickly or in a brief manner, similar to the English phrase “in a nutshell.” For example: “אני יכול להסביר את זה על רגל אחת” (Ani yachol lehasbir et ze al regel achat), meaning “I can explain this quickly.”
4. לאכול את הלב (Le’echol Et HaLev)
Literal Translation: To eat the heart
Meaning: To be very jealous or envious
This idiom is used to describe intense jealousy or envy, similar to the English phrase “eating one’s heart out.” For example: “הוא אכל את הלב כששמע על ההצלחה שלה” (Hu achal et halev k’sheshama al h’atzlacha shela), meaning “He was very jealous when he heard about her success.”
5. לקחת את הזמן (Lakachat Et Hazman)
Literal Translation: To take the time
Meaning: To take one’s time, not to hurry
This idiom is used to advise someone to relax and not rush, similar to the English phrase “take your time.” For example: “אין למהר, קח את הזמן” (Ein le’maher, kach et hazman), meaning “There’s no need to hurry, take your time.”
More Idioms and Their Cultural Context
6. לעשות רוח (La’asot Ruach)
Literal Translation: To make wind
Meaning: To show off or boast
This idiom is used to describe someone who is showing off or being boastful. It is similar to the English phrase “to blow hot air.” For example: “הוא כל הזמן עושה רוח עם ההישגים שלו” (Hu kol hazman ose ruach im h’hesegim shelo), meaning “He is always showing off with his achievements.”
7. דמעות תנין (Dmaot Tannin)
Literal Translation: Crocodile tears
Meaning: Fake or insincere tears
This idiom is used to describe someone who is pretending to be upset or shedding fake tears, similar to the English phrase “crocodile tears.” For example: “אני לא מאמין לדמעות התנין שלה” (Ani lo ma’amin le’dmaot hatannin shela), meaning “I don’t believe her crocodile tears.”
8. לתפוס גובה (Litfos Gova)
Literal Translation: To catch height
Meaning: To gain altitude or improve one’s situation
This idiom is used to describe someone who is improving their situation or gaining an advantage, similar to the English phrase “to rise above.” For example: “העסק שלו התחיל לתפוס גובה לאחרונה” (Ha’asek shelo hitchil litfos gova la’achrona), meaning “His business has started to gain altitude recently.”
9. להוריד את הכפפות (Lehorid Et HaKfafot)
Literal Translation: To take off the gloves
Meaning: To get serious or confrontational
This idiom is used when someone decides to get serious or confrontational, similar to the English phrase “to take off the gloves.” For example: “הגיע הזמן להוריד את הכפפות ולהתמודד עם הבעיה” (Higia hazman lehorid et hakfafot ve’lehitmoded im haba’aya), meaning “It’s time to take off the gloves and deal with the problem.”
10. לחיות על הקצה (Lichyot Al HaKatz)
Literal Translation: To live on the edge
Meaning: To live dangerously or take risks
This idiom is used to describe someone who lives dangerously or takes a lot of risks, similar to the English phrase “to live on the edge.” For example: “הוא תמיד חי על הקצה ועושה דברים מסוכנים” (Hu tamid chai al hakatz ve’ose dvarim mesukanim), meaning “He always lives on the edge and does dangerous things.”
Idioms Related to Food and Eating
Food and eating are central to many cultures, and Hebrew is no exception. Several Hebrew idioms are related to food, reflecting the importance of cuisine in Israeli culture.
11. לאכול עם העיניים (Le’echol Im HaEinaim)
Literal Translation: To eat with the eyes
Meaning: To be visually enticed by food
This idiom is used to describe someone who is visually enticed by food, similar to the English phrase “to feast one’s eyes on.” For example: “הוא אוכל עם העיניים שלו לפני שהוא מתחיל לאכול” (Hu ochel im ha’einaim shelo lifnei she’hu matchil le’echol), meaning “He eats with his eyes before he starts eating.”
12. יש לו עיניים גדולות (Yesh Lo Einaim G’dolot)
Literal Translation: He has big eyes
Meaning: Someone who takes more than they can handle
This idiom is used to describe someone who takes more than they can handle, similar to the English phrase “his eyes are bigger than his stomach.” For example: “יש לו עיניים גדולות, הוא הזמין יותר מדי אוכל” (Yesh lo einaim g’dolot, hu hizmin yoter miday ochel), meaning “He has big eyes, he ordered too much food.”
13. לגלות את אמריקה (Legalot Et America)
Literal Translation: To discover America
Meaning: To state the obvious
This idiom is used to describe someone who states the obvious or discovers something that is already well-known, similar to the English phrase “to reinvent the wheel.” For example: “אתה לא צריך לגלות את אמריקה, כולם כבר יודעים את זה” (Ata lo tzarih legalot et America, kulam kvar yod’im et ze), meaning “You don’t need to discover America, everyone already knows it.”
14. להחזיק אצבעות (Le’hazik Etzbaot)
Literal Translation: To hold fingers
Meaning: To cross one’s fingers
This idiom is used to wish for good luck, similar to the English phrase “to cross one’s fingers.” For example: “אני מחזיק לך אצבעות שתצליח במבחן” (Ani mahzik lecha etzbaot she’tatzliach b’mivhan), meaning “I’m crossing my fingers for you to succeed in the exam.”
15. לשבור את הראש (Lishbor Et HaRosh)
Literal Translation: To break the head
Meaning: To rack one’s brains
This idiom is used to describe someone who is thinking very hard about something, similar to the English phrase “to rack one’s brains.” For example: “אני שובר את הראש איך לפתור את הבעיה הזו” (Ani shover et harosh eich liftor et habaya hazo), meaning “I’m racking my brains on how to solve this problem.”
Conclusion
Learning idioms is a delightful way to deepen your understanding of any language, and Hebrew is no exception. These phrases not only enrich your vocabulary but also give you a glimpse into the cultural and social fabric of Hebrew-speaking communities. By incorporating these idioms into your daily conversations, you’ll find yourself sounding more fluent and natural. Plus, you’ll be able to appreciate the rich tapestry of meanings, stories, and wisdom that these idioms carry.
So the next time you find yourself in Israel or speaking with Hebrew speakers, don’t be afraid to sprinkle some idioms into your conversation. You’ll not only impress your friends but also feel more connected to the language and culture. Happy learning!