A1 Idiom Neutral

Skatīties caur pirkstiem

Look through fingers

Significado

To ignore or overlook something.

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Contexto cultural

In Latvian society, 'skatīties caur pirkstiem' is often linked to the concept of 'kaimiņu būšana' (neighborly relations), where people help each other by not reporting minor issues. In business, this phrase can be a warning. If a partner says they 'can't look through fingers' anymore, it means they are about to take legal action. Teachers in Latvia are often praised for being 'human' if they know when to look through their fingers at a student's personal struggles. Journalists frequently use this phrase to criticize the government for ignoring corruption or social problems.

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Use it for Leniency

This is the best phrase to use when you want to sound like a kind, understanding person in Latvian.

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Don't over-conjugate

Keep 'caur pirkstiem' exactly as it is. Only change the verb 'skatīties'.

Significado

To ignore or overlook something.

💡

Use it for Leniency

This is the best phrase to use when you want to sound like a kind, understanding person in Latvian.

⚠️

Don't over-conjugate

Keep 'caur pirkstiem' exactly as it is. Only change the verb 'skatīties'.

🎯

Reflexive Verb Alert

Remember that 'skatīties' is reflexive. Don't forget the '-ies' or '-as' endings!

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Social Harmony

Using this phrase shows you understand the Latvian value of avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.

Skolotājs šodien ____ caur ____.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: skatās / pirkstiem

The standard idiom is 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'.

What does it mean when someone 'skatās caur pirkstiem'?

If your boss 'skatās caur pirkstiem' on your mistake, he is:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Lenient/Forgiving

The idiom means to ignore a mistake, usually in a kind way.

Match the situation to the phrase.

Which situation best fits 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: A mother ignoring a small spill on the floor

Ignoring a small mess is a perfect use of this idiom.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Es aizmirsu atslēgas! B: Nekas, šoreiz es ____.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: skatīšos caur pirkstiem

The future tense 'skatīšos' fits the context of a future promise of forgiveness.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Idiom vs. Literal

Literal Meaning
Peeking in fear Bailes
Figurative Meaning
Forgiving a late arrival Piedošana

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom. Fill Blank A1

Skolotājs šodien ____ caur ____.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: skatās / pirkstiem

The standard idiom is 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'.

What does it mean when someone 'skatās caur pirkstiem'? Choose A1

If your boss 'skatās caur pirkstiem' on your mistake, he is:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Lenient/Forgiving

The idiom means to ignore a mistake, usually in a kind way.

Match the situation to the phrase. situation_matching A2

Which situation best fits 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: A mother ignoring a small spill on the floor

Ignoring a small mess is a perfect use of this idiom.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: Es aizmirsu atslēgas! B: Nekas, šoreiz es ____.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: skatīšos caur pirkstiem

The future tense 'skatīšos' fits the context of a future promise of forgiveness.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it's generally neutral or even positive, as it implies kindness or mercy.

Yes, if you are talking about your management style (e.g., 'I know when to be strict and when to look through fingers').

The opposite would be 'būt stingram' (to be strict) or 'sekot līdzi katram sīkumam' (to follow every detail).

Usually yes, but you can also 'look through fingers' at abstract things like 'rules' or 'problems'.

It comes from the physical gesture of peeking through your hands while covering your face.

No, it must be plural ('pirkstiem') because you use both hands/multiple fingers in the gesture.

Yes, it is frequently used in Latvian political journalism.

Mostly, but it specifically means ignoring something *wrong* or *imperfect*.

Not really. It's more about mistakes than secrets.

Yes, many Latvian pop and rock songs use it to describe relationships.

Frases relacionadas

🔄

Pievērt acis

synonym

To close one's eyes to something.

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Nelaist ne auss

similar

To not even give an ear (to ignore advice).

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Izlikties par beigtu

similar

To pretend to be dead.

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Turēt acis vaļā

contrast

To keep eyes wide open.

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Pamanīt katru sīkumu

contrast

To notice every little detail.

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