Significado
An argument or claim that lacks evidence or logic.
Contexto cultural
Greeks value 'Logos' (logic/reason) and are often very direct in calling out what they perceive as nonsense. This phrase is a staple of political and social discourse. The 'kafeneio' is a place of loud, passionate debate. Using idioms like this is part of the 'theatre' of conversation. In Greek law, 'αβάσιμος' (baseless) is the formal term, but lawyers often use 'δεν πατάει πουθενά' when speaking to the press to simplify the message. Greek teachers use this to encourage students to provide evidence for their essays. It's a way to teach critical thinking.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to be extra emphatic, you can say 'Δεν πατάει ΚΑΝ πουθενά' (It doesn't even step anywhere).
Don't be too rude
In a professional setting, this can be a very strong dismissal. Use it only when you are sure the other person's point is truly illogical.
Significado
An argument or claim that lacks evidence or logic.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to be extra emphatic, you can say 'Δεν πατάει ΚΑΝ πουθενά' (It doesn't even step anywhere).
Don't be too rude
In a professional setting, this can be a very strong dismissal. Use it only when you are sure the other person's point is truly illogical.
The 'Kafeneio' vibe
This phrase is the bread and butter of Greek social debate. Using it correctly will make you sound very native.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'πατάω'.
Οι θεωρίες του Κώστα δεν _______ πουθενά.
The subject is 'οι θεωρίες' (the theories), which is plural, so the verb must be 'πατάνε'.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'δεν πατάει πουθενά'?
A person says:
This is an illogical, baseless claim, which is exactly what the phrase describes.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Α: Πιστεύω ότι αν πίνεις μόνο καφέ, θα ζήσεις 200 χρόνια! Β: ________________________
The claim is scientifically impossible and illogical, making the idiom the perfect response.
Match the Greek phrase to its English equivalent.
Match them:
These are all related to 'air' and 'ground' metaphors in both languages.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΟι θεωρίες του Κώστα δεν _______ πουθενά.
The subject is 'οι θεωρίες' (the theories), which is plural, so the verb must be 'πατάνε'.
A person says:
This is an illogical, baseless claim, which is exactly what the phrase describes.
Α: Πιστεύω ότι αν πίνεις μόνο καφέ, θα ζήσεις 200 χρόνια! Β: ________________________
The claim is scientifically impossible and illogical, making the idiom the perfect response.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are all related to 'air' and 'ground' metaphors in both languages.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasNot usually. You describe what they *say* or their *arguments* as baseless. If you say 'He doesn't step anywhere,' it sounds like he is literally floating.
Not exactly. A lie is a deliberate falsehood. 'Δεν πατάει πουθενά' means the logic is broken, whether the person is lying or just confused.
Yes! 'Η θεωρία του δεν πατούσε πουθενά' (His theory was baseless).
For a university essay, it's better to use 'στερείται βάσης' or 'είναι έωλο.' This phrase is better for spoken Greek or informal writing.
You could say 'έχει γερές βάσεις' (it has strong foundations) or 'είναι τεκμηριωμένο' (it is documented/proven).
Frases relacionadas
δεν στέκει
synonymIt doesn't stand / It doesn't hold up.
είναι στον αέρα
similarIt is in the air.
έωλος
specialized formUnfounded / Baseless.
λόγια του αέρα
builds onWords of the air.
