Bedeutung
Trying to justify something that is clearly wrong.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Greek politics, this phrase is a standard tool for 'debunking'. It reflects a culture that is highly skeptical of official narratives and enjoys pointing out logical inconsistencies. Classic Greek comedies often use this idiom when a character is caught in a web of lies. It highlights the 'katirgari' (shrewd/mischievous) nature of Greek comedic heroes. Modern Greeks use this idiom on platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) to call out clickbait headlines or exaggerated social media posts. The traditional coffee house is the birthplace of many 'hair-pulled' arguments. It's a space where rhetoric is valued as much as truth.
Use the Adjective
If you are unsure about conjugating 'τραβάω', just use 'Είναι τραβηγμένο'. It's safer and very natural.
Don't use for people
Don't say 'Είσαι τραβηγμένος'. It sounds like you are physically stretched. Say 'Αυτό που λες είναι τραβηγμένο'.
Bedeutung
Trying to justify something that is clearly wrong.
Use the Adjective
If you are unsure about conjugating 'τραβάω', just use 'Είναι τραβηγμένο'. It's safer and very natural.
Don't use for people
Don't say 'Είσαι τραβηγμένος'. It sounds like you are physically stretched. Say 'Αυτό που λες είναι τραβηγμένο'.
The 'Re' Factor
Adding 'ρε' makes it more emphatic: 'Έλα ρε, το τραβάς από τα μαλλιά!'
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
Η εξήγηση που έδωσε ο μαθητής για την απουσία του ήταν ______ από τα μαλλιά.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'εξήγηση' (explanation).
Fill in the missing preposition.
Μην το τραβάς ______ τα μαλλιά, δεν σε πιστεύει κανείς.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'από'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone says they are late because they had to save a kitten from a tree, but you saw them at the cafe.
The idiom is perfect for calling out a far-fetched excuse.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Α: Πιστεύεις ότι ο Γιάννης είπε την αλήθεια; Β: Όχι, η ιστορία του ήταν εντελώς ______.
'Μαλλιά κουβάρια' means a mess/fight, and 'τραβώ τα μαλλιά μου' means frustration.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΗ εξήγηση που έδωσε ο μαθητής για την απουσία του ήταν ______ από τα μαλλιά.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'εξήγηση' (explanation).
Μην το τραβάς ______ τα μαλλιά, δεν σε πιστεύει κανείς.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'από'.
Situation: Someone says they are late because they had to save a kitten from a tree, but you saw them at the cafe.
The idiom is perfect for calling out a far-fetched excuse.
Α: Πιστεύεις ότι ο Γιάννης είπε την αλήθεια; Β: Όχι, η ιστορία του ήταν εντελώς ______.
'Μαλλιά κουβάρια' means a mess/fight, and 'τραβώ τα μαλλιά μου' means frustration.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenIt can be slightly confrontational as it implies they are lying or being illogical. Use it with friends or in debates, but avoid it in formal settings.
No, it is almost always negative. It implies a lack of truth or logic.
A 'ψέμα' is a lie. 'Τραβηγμένο' is an argument that might have a tiny bit of truth but is stretched so far it becomes unbelievable.
No, that's not an idiom. You only pull it by the hair in this context!
Verwandte Redewendungen
μαλλιά κουβάρια
similarTo be in a huge mess or a big fight.
βγάζω από τη μύγα ξίγκι
similarTo get blood out of a stone / to over-analyze.
εκβιάζω καταστάσεις
synonymTo force situations.
τραβηγμένο
specialized formFar-fetched.
