As a learner who has reached an expert level in Hungarian, it’s exhilarating to delve into the intricate and colorful expressions that pepper everyday conversations among native speakers. This advanced stage of language learning is not just about knowing words and grammar rules; it’s about mastering those idiomatic phrases that give you a truly authentic feel for the language. In this article, we’ll look at some advanced Hungarian expressions that can help you sound like a local.

Elvágja a zsírt
Literally meaning “to cut the fat,” this expression is used to describe someone who speaks very bluntly or to the point, cutting through any ambiguity or niceties.

Amikor a főnök értékeli a munkatársak teljesítményét, mindig elvágja a zsírt.

Fülig ér a szája
This is an expression used when someone is extremely happy about something, so much so that their smile is as wide as it can possibly be.

Amikor megtudta, hogy előléptették, fülig ér a szája.

Zsákbamacska
A “pig in a poke” (or bag of tricks) refers to buying or getting something without inspecting it first, so you end up being surprised by what you get—it may be a good or a bad surprise.

Soha nem vásárolnék autót anélkül, hogy megvizsgálnám, nem szeretnék zsákbamacska vásárolni.

Megszólalásig hasonlít
When someone bears an uncanny resemblance to someone else or something else, this phrase is used to highlight the striking similarity.

A fiatal színész megszólalásig hasonlít a hollywoodi legendához.

Talpraesett
Describing a person who is resourceful and quick-witted, someone who can handle any situation with ease and confidence.

Nem aggódom amiatt, hogy hogyan boldogul egyedül az új városban; ő igazán talpraesett.

Összevissza beszél
This expression means that someone is talking nonsense or in a very disorganized or incoherent way.

A tévében a politikus megint összevissza beszélt.

Három hónap múlva lesz négyszemközt
When you plan to have a one-on-one, private conversation with someone in the near future, this phrase, which literally translates to “in three months it will be face-to-face,” is often used figuratively to set the timeframe for an anticipated discussion.

Három hónap múlva lesz négyszemközt, hogy megvitatjuk a részleteket.

Az ördög nem alszik
This idiom means “the devil never sleeps,” and is used to say that there are always temptations or that mischief is afoot.

Vigyázz, ne dőlj be a csalásoknak, az ördög nem alszik!

Szélmalomharcot vív
Referring to “fighting windmills,” this expression is used when someone is engaging in a futile struggle or confronting imaginary enemies, similar to Don Quixote.

Sokan úgy gondolták, hogy küzdelme szélmalomharcot vív, de végül ő nyert.

Sokat sejtető mosoly
This phrase describes a smile that seems to imply more than is being said or shown, often used in mysterious or flirtatious contexts.

Egy sokat sejtető mosollyal elhagyta a szobát.

Mastering these advanced Hungarian expressions will not only impress native speakers but will also enrich your understanding of the language’s cultural nuance. Practice them often to get a natural feel for when and how they are used, and enjoy the process of becoming an ever-more proficient Hungarian speaker!