Bedeutung
To fail to try hard enough.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Turkish business culture, 'gayret' (effort) is often valued as much as results. If you fail but can prove you 'did your best,' you are often forgiven. However, being accused of 'not doing your best' is a serious blow to one's professional reputation. Turkish parents often prioritize effort over innate talent. The phrase is a common refrain in households during report card season (karne günü). Turkish football fans are known for their passion. They will forgive a losing team if they 'fought' (savaştı) on the pitch, but will protest heavily if they perceive the players 'didn't do their best.' The concept of 'Emek' (labor/effort) has deep roots in Anatolian Sufism. It is believed that one's 'hand' is a gift, and not using it to its full potential is a form of ingratitude (nankörlük).
Master the Possessives
To sound like a native, practice switching the possessive quickly: 'elimden, elinden, elimizden'. This is the #1 marker of fluency with this phrase.
Don't be too harsh
This phrase is a direct accusation. Use it carefully with friends or colleagues unless you are prepared for a confrontation.
Bedeutung
To fail to try hard enough.
Master the Possessives
To sound like a native, practice switching the possessive quickly: 'elimden, elinden, elimizden'. This is the #1 marker of fluency with this phrase.
Don't be too harsh
This phrase is a direct accusation. Use it carefully with friends or colleagues unless you are prepared for a confrontation.
The 'Emek' Connection
If you want to sound very Turkish, pair this phrase with the word 'emek' (labor). E.g., 'Hiç emek harcamamışsın, elinden geleni yapmamışsın.'
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'elinden geleni yapmamak' based on the subject.
Ben bu sınavı kazanamadım çünkü çalışırken ________.
The subject is 'Ben' (I), so the possessive suffix must be '-im' (elimden) and the verb must be '-m' (yapmadım).
Which situation best fits the use of 'elinden geleni yapmamak'?
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanmak en uygundur?
This phrase is used when someone has the potential/ability but chooses not to use it.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Patron: 'Proje neden gecikti?' Çalışan: 'Özür dilerim efendim, ________.'
The employee is admitting they didn't put in enough effort. 'Elimden bir şey gelmedi' would mean they were unable to do anything, which is a different meaning.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenBen bu sınavı kazanamadım çünkü çalışırken ________.
The subject is 'Ben' (I), so the possessive suffix must be '-im' (elimden) and the verb must be '-m' (yapmadım).
Hangi durumda bu deyimi kullanmak en uygundur?
This phrase is used when someone has the potential/ability but chooses not to use it.
Patron: 'Proje neden gecikti?' Çalışan: 'Özür dilerim efendim, ________.'
The employee is admitting they didn't put in enough effort. 'Elimden bir şey gelmedi' would mean they were unable to do anything, which is a different meaning.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenNo, this phrase is strictly for humans or groups of humans (like a company or government) because it implies a conscious choice and moral responsibility.
Yes, but it is quite strong. In a formal context, it sounds like a serious reprimand. Use 'beklenen performansı gösterememek' for a softer touch.
'Tembellik yapmak' is just being lazy. 'Elinden geleni yapmamak' specifically points out that you had the ability to succeed but failed because you didn't try.
Use the positive form: 'Elimden geleni yapacağım.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
elinden geleni yapmak
contrastTo do one's best.
elinden geleni ardına koymamak
similarTo do one's worst / To not hold back (usually in a negative/threatening way).
canla başla çalışmak
contrastTo work with one's soul and head (very hard).
baştan savma yapmak
specialized formTo do something sloppily/carelessly.
