Home › Idioms

на все четыре стороны

Meaning: In any direction one wishes; to go wherever one pleases.

Language: Russian

Literally: to all four sides

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The phrase draws on the image of the four cardinal directions, suggesting complete freedom of movement in all possible ways.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • лежачий полицейский — A speed bump or traffic calming device.
  • один с сошкой, а семеро с ложкой — many people live off the labor of one worker.
  • зарывать свой талант в землю — to waste or hide one's natural gifts instead of using them.
  • своя рубашка ближе к телу — self-interest comes before charity; one should prioritize one's own welfare and family.
  • ходить вокруг да около — To avoid speaking plainly; to approach a subject indirectly or evasively.
  • пан или пропал — To risk everything on a single venture; all or nothing, sink or swim.

More Russian idioms

  • ездить в Тулу со своим самоваром — To do something entirely pointless or unnecessary, bringing what is already abundant in t…
  • надуться как мышь на крупу — To become angry or offended; to sulk or huff indignantly.
  • пудрить мозги — To mislead someone with false or nonsensical talk; to deceive or confuse deliberately.
  • сила есть — ума не надо — a person who is physically strong but intellectually weak or stupid.
  • в лес дрова возить — to do something pointless or redundant; to offer something to someone who already has ple…
  • сражаться с ветряными мельницами — To struggle against imaginary or futile enemies; to waste effort on impossible causes.

← Back to Idioms

Loading the full interactive collection…