Clichés by definition are phrases that have been overused to the point of losing meaning. They are often used in all languages including Croatian. By using clichés, you can express what you want to say very clearly.

We’ve already put together a list of the most frequently used Croatian clichés – find it here. Since 10 Croatian clichés are simply not enough, here are another 10 that will give you some serious street cred with the Croatians in your life.

The facts are these…

Another 10 Croatian clichés to drop into conversation with a Croat

#1 Bolje spriječiti, nego liječiti.

Literal translation: Better safe than sorry.
True meaning: Better to prevent an issue than deal with its consequences.

#2 Zrno po zrno pogača, kamen po kamen palača.

Literal translation: Grain by grain, a loaf. Stone upon stone, a palace.
True meaning: Go step-by-step and you will succeed.

#3 Ako neće milom, onda će silom.

Literal translation: If not by will, then by force.
True meaning: If things don’t go your way, do it by force.

#4 Tko nema u glavi, ima u nogama.

Literal translation: Those who don’t have it in their head, have it in their feet.
True meaning: If you forget (to do) something, you will have to go back (to solve it).

#5 Bez muke nema nauke.

Literal translation: There is no science/knowledge without torment/pain.
True meaning: You have to work hard to earn knowledge and succeed.

#6 Tko tebe kamenom, ti njega kruhom.

Literal translation: Someone throws a stone on you, and you give them bread.
True meaning: Respond to evil with good.

#7 Tresla se brda, rodio se miš.

Literal translation: Hills were shaking, a mouse was born.
True meaning: When someone talks a lot of hype, but it doesn’t add up in the end.

#8 Dok mačke nema, miševi kolo vode.

Literal translation: When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
True meaning: People will naturally take advantage of the absence of someone in authority to do as they like.

#9 Mnogo vike, nizašto.

Literal translation: Much ado about nothing.
True meaning: A great fuss is made of something which is insignificant.

#10 Svako zlo za neko dobro.

Literal translation: Every good for some evil.
True meaning: For every evil or negative thing, something good will happen or come out of it.

View other Croatian vocabulary posts

• 10 Croatian clichés to drop into conversation with a Croat
• 10 ways to use “može”
• All the ways to say “Hi” and “Bye“ in Croatian
• Exclamations for when you need to shout
• Holiday words and phrases
• How to ask how someone is doing
• How to use “veze” and express connection in Croatian
• Immigration words and phrases
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