IdiomNature
Latvian
LatvianKā pliks pa nātrēm
Meaning: In a frantic, painful hurry.
Literally: Like a naked man through nettles
Example: “Viņš skrēja uz staciju kā pliks pa nātrēm.” — He ran to the station like a bat out of hell.
English equivalent: Like a bat out of hell
Origin: Someone naked running through nettles goes as fast as they can. The phrase means in a frantic hurry. No particular story lies behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
Welsh: Rhedeg fel cath i gythraul Literally: To run like a cat to the devil
Portuguese: Tirar o pai da forca Literally: To take your father off the gallows
French: Sur les chapeaux de roues Literally: On the wheel hubcaps- French: À tombeau ouvert Literally: With the tomb open
English: like a bat out of hell
More Latvian idioms
- Pūst pīlītes To tell tall tales; to fib.
- Ņemt kāju pār plecu To hurry off at once.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tu déchires You're awesome — you totally rock.
- Eres un sol You're a lovely, warm-hearted person.
- Eres más bueno que el pan You are a genuinely good, kind soul.
Keep exploring