na kobylku

English translation: to get the better of somebody

11:38 Nov 12, 2013
Slovak to English translations [PRO]
Idioms / Maxims / Sayings
Slovak term or phrase: na kobylku
As in 'dostat sa (niekomu) na kobylku. Thank you in advance.
Nathaniel2
Local time: 00:37
English translation:to get the better of somebody
Explanation:
in http://is.muni.cz/th/74398/ff_m/kompl.DP.txt

"V čes. frazému substantivum kobylka znamená ohryzek neboli část hrdla, tedy původně bylo snad „ohrozit na hrdle“ (SČFI-VS-I., 332)."



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Note added at 1 hr (2013-11-12 12:52:59 GMT)
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a more literal version based on original meaning would be:

"To have (someone) by the throat"

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Note added at 7 hrs (2013-11-12 19:33:16 GMT)
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I have also seen this used to express "to know what really makes (someone) tick", "to know their soft spot", "to have them sussed"
Selected response from:

Václav Pinkava
United Kingdom
Local time: 23:37
Grading comment
thank you
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 -1na kobylku
Marthyn
4to get the better of somebody
Václav Pinkava
3outfox
Stuart Hoskins


  

Answers


11 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
outfox


Explanation:
or
get the better of
get your own back
(source: wife)


Stuart Hoskins
Local time: 00:37
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
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16 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): -1
na kobylku


Explanation:
Hey there, "dostat sa (niekomu) na kobylku" means to figure out someone's hidden agenda - or find his/hers soft spot in order to manipulate him/her or vice versa, to prevent someone manipulating you, because you see through him/her.
Hope this helps ;)

Marthyn
Slovakia
Local time: 00:37
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in SlovakSlovak

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
disagree  Michal Zugec: Skúste použiť niečo z toho, čo uvádzate vo vysvetlivkách. Ale „na kobylku“ preložiť ako „na kobylku“?
1 hr
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
to get the better of somebody


Explanation:
in http://is.muni.cz/th/74398/ff_m/kompl.DP.txt

"V čes. frazému substantivum kobylka znamená ohryzek neboli část hrdla, tedy původně bylo snad „ohrozit na hrdle“ (SČFI-VS-I., 332)."



--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 hr (2013-11-12 12:52:59 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

a more literal version based on original meaning would be:

"To have (someone) by the throat"

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 7 hrs (2013-11-12 19:33:16 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

I have also seen this used to express "to know what really makes (someone) tick", "to know their soft spot", "to have them sussed"

Václav Pinkava
United Kingdom
Local time: 23:37
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in CzechCzech, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
thank you
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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