Significado
Something is an open secret known to everyone.
Contexto cultural
In traditional Greek villages, the 'telalis' (town crier) was the central figure of information. This phrase preserves the memory of that oral tradition. Greek talk shows ('proina') often use this phrase when discussing celebrity rumors that haven't been confirmed yet. Using this phrase can be a way to tell someone 'stop lying to me' without being directly aggressive, using humor instead. The second part of the phrase mocks the Greek tendency to be proud of things that are actually quite obvious or even scandalous.
Use the full version for maximum irony
If you want to sound like a native speaker mocking a situation, add '...κι εμείς κρυφό καμάρι' at the end with a slight roll of the eyes.
Don't use 'τύμπανο'
Even though 'τύμπανο' is the correct dictionary word, using it in this proverb will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker.
Significado
Something is an open secret known to everyone.
Use the full version for maximum irony
If you want to sound like a native speaker mocking a situation, add '...κι εμείς κρυφό καμάρι' at the end with a slight roll of the eyes.
Don't use 'τύμπανο'
Even though 'τύμπανο' is the correct dictionary word, using it in this proverb will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
Όλοι ξέρουν ότι η εταιρεία κλείνει· ο κόσμος το 'χει _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'τούμπανο' (informal drum).
Complete the dialogue with the full proverb.
Α: 'Κρύψε το δαχτυλίδι, μην το δει κανείς!' Β: 'Σιγά, _______!'
The full proverb is the most ironic response to someone being overly secretive.
Match the situation to the phrase.
A celebrity's 'secret' wedding is on every magazine cover.
This phrase describes a secret that is no longer a secret.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosΌλοι ξέρουν ότι η εταιρεία κλείνει· ο κόσμος το 'χει _______.
The idiom specifically uses 'τούμπανο' (informal drum).
Α: 'Κρύψε το δαχτυλίδι, μην το δει κανείς!' Β: 'Σιγά, _______!'
The full proverb is the most ironic response to someone being overly secretive.
A celebrity's 'secret' wedding is on every magazine cover.
This phrase describes a secret that is no longer a secret.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasIt's not exactly rude, but it is very informal and mocking. Use it with friends, not your boss.
Yes, if someone is trying to hide a surprise party or a promotion that everyone already knows about.
'Kamari' means pride or something you are proud of. In this context, it's used sarcastically.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across the Greek-speaking world.
Frases relacionadas
Το ξέρουν και οι πέτρες
synonymEven the stones know it.
Βούιξε ο τόπος
similarThe place is buzzing with the news.
Κοινό μυστικό
synonymCommon secret.
Κάνει την πάπια
contrastTo play the duck (to play dumb).
