Turkish idioms and proverbs in every occasion
In this blog post, we embark on a journey through the captivating world of Turkish idioms. Like hidden gems waiting to be discovered, these phrases offer a glimpse into the Turkish soul, encapsulating the wisdom, humor, and vivid imagination of its people. Join us as we unravel the meaning behind these delightful linguistic treasures and gain a deeper appreciation for the essence of Turkish culture.
Here are some of the most characteristic and perhaps comical idioms, proverbs and sayings you may come across in your mobility experience throughout Türkiye and navigating through Turkish.
"El ele vermek"- To give hand in hand. This idiom emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collaboration, encouraging people to work together towards shared goals.
"Bir taşla iki kuş vurmak" - To kill two birds with one stone. Highlighting efficiency and resourcefulness, this idiom suggests achieving multiple objectives with a single effort.
"Damlaya damlaya göl olur" - Drop by drop becomes a lake. Demonstrating the power of persistence, this idiom encourages patience in achieving long-term goals.
"Güneş balçıkla sıvanmaz" - The sun can't be covered with mud. Truth or facts cannot be hidden forever.
"Yılanın başını küçükken ezmek" - To crush the snake's head while it's small. To solve a problem or eliminate a threat at an early stage.
"Köprüyü geçene kadar ayıya dayı derler." - Until you cross the bridge, they call the bear uncle. Meaning: People may flatter or be polite to you until they get what they want.
"Köprüyü geçene kadar ayıya dayı derler." - Until you cross the bridge, they call the bear uncle. People may flatter or be polite to you until they get what they want.
"Ayağını yorganına göre uzatmak." - To stretch your legs according to your blanket. To live within your means, not spending beyond your resources.
Dost acı söyler - A friend says what hurts. It means that a real friend tells the bitter truth and it is used when someone needs to soften the blow of having to deliver or receive unfortunate news from a close buddy.