Significado
To pamper or praise someone excessively.
Contexto cultural
The head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Touching someone's head is usually reserved for elders blessing youngsters. Placing someone 'on the head' is a subversion of this sacred hierarchy. The idiom is a staple in 'Masala' movies where a rich, spoiled antagonist is often described as having been 'put on the head' by their parents. There is a generational clash where grandparents use this phrase to criticize modern parents for not using corporal punishment or for being too 'friendly' with children. In traditional Indian office cultures, the 'Boss' is often treated with extreme reverence. Younger employees use this idiom to mock colleagues who are 'sucking up' to the boss.
Use the Negative
You will hear this 90% of the time as 'ஏற்றாதே' (Don't lift). It's more of a warning than a description.
Don't use with Elders
Never tell an elder they are 'putting someone on their head' unless you are very close; it sounds like you are questioning their wisdom.
Significado
To pamper or praise someone excessively.
Use the Negative
You will hear this 90% of the time as 'ஏற்றாதே' (Don't lift). It's more of a warning than a description.
Don't use with Elders
Never tell an elder they are 'putting someone on their head' unless you are very close; it sounds like you are questioning their wisdom.
The 'Vittan' trick
Add 'vittan' (ஏற்றிவிட்டான்) to show that the damage is already done and the person is now fully spoiled.
Body Language
Often accompanied by a click of the tongue or a shake of the head to show disapproval.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
குழந்தைக்கு அதிகச் செல்லம் கொடுத்துத் _________ ஏற்றாதே.
The idiom specifically uses 'Thalai' (head).
Which situation best fits the phrase 'தலையில் ஏற்றுதல்'?
Choose the correct context:
The idiom refers to over-pampering and spoiling.
Complete the dialogue.
A: அவன் ரொம்பத் திமிராகப் பேசுகிறான். B: ஆமாம், எல்லாரும் அவனைத் _________ வைத்திருக்கிறார்கள்.
The context of 'thimir' (arrogance) suggests people have 'lifted him to their head'.
Match the phrase to the consequence.
If you 'தலையில் ஏற்றுதல்' a person, what happens?
The idiom implies a negative outcome of arrogance or being spoiled.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Respect vs. Spoiling
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosகுழந்தைக்கு அதிகச் செல்லம் கொடுத்துத் _________ ஏற்றாதே.
The idiom specifically uses 'Thalai' (head).
Choose the correct context:
The idiom refers to over-pampering and spoiling.
A: அவன் ரொம்பத் திமிராகப் பேசுகிறான். B: ஆமாம், எல்லாரும் அவனைத் _________ வைத்திருக்கிறார்கள்.
The context of 'thimir' (arrogance) suggests people have 'lifted him to their head'.
If you 'தலையில் ஏற்றுதல்' a person, what happens?
The idiom implies a negative outcome of arrogance or being spoiled.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's not vulgar, but it is a direct criticism. Use it with friends and family, not in formal meetings.
Yes, you can say 'I shouldn't have pampered him so much' (நான் அவனைத் தலையில் ஏற்றிவிட்டேன்).
'Ice vaithal' is flattery to get something. 'Thalaiyil etruthal' is a long-term dynamic of spoiling someone.
Usually, yes. You don't 'put a dog on your head' (though you could metaphorically if you spoil it!).
You can say 'இதைப் புகழைத் தலையில் ஏற்றிக் கொள்ளாதே' (Don't take this fame to your head).
'Uchiyil vaithu kondaduthal' is more positive, meaning to celebrate someone's greatness.
No, it's too informal. Say 'அதிகச் சலுகைகள்' (too many privileges) instead.
In 99% of modern contexts, no. It is purely metaphorical.
'Mattam thattuthal' (to belittle) or 'Kattupaadu' (discipline).
Yes, it is understood and used across the Tamil diaspora.
Frases relacionadas
செல்லம் கொடுத்தல்
similarTo pamper/give affection.
ஐஸ் வைத்தல்
similarTo flatter (put ice).
மட்டம் தட்டுதல்
contrastTo belittle someone.
உச்சியில் வைத்தல்
specialized formTo hold in highest regard.
