Common Romanian Idioms, Sayings, and Expressions

"Să știi ca pe Tatăl Nostru" - To know it like the Lord’s Prayer

This means that you know exactly what to do to get revenge on someone.

This is equivalent to the English “to know it like the back of your hand.” 

“A băga mâna în foc pentru cineva”  - To put your hand in fire for somebody

This means putting yourself out there for someone, in their defense.

The English equivalent for this one might be “He’s pulling the wool over your eyes."

“A-ți lua inima în dinți” - To take your heart in your teeth

An English equivalent to this is “He blew his top.” Basically, he is really angry.

An English equivalent might be “you are pushing my buttons” or “you are driving me crazy”.

This one basically means to do something bravely or daringly.

“a călca pe bec” - To step on a light bulb

This means to get into any kind of trouble.

This basically just means to drop a hint, or to get the point across.

 “a o căuta cu lumânarea” -  to look for something with a lit candle

The English equivalent to this is, “that’s the last straw,” or “you have reached the limit.”

It is used for someone who is viewed as a good-for-nothing or a person who does not with their life. 