A1 Idiom Informal

Qo'li egri

Crooked hand

Significado

A person who is a thief.

🌍

Contexto cultural

In Uzbek culture, calling someone 'qo'li egri' is a serious matter that can lead to social shunning. It is often discussed in the 'mahalla' (local community) to protect neighbors. Market sellers often use coded language or idioms like this to warn each other about suspicious individuals without alerting the suspect. The concept of 'Halol' (permissible) earnings is central. A 'crooked hand' is seen as taking 'Harom' (forbidden) wealth, which is a major sin. Reputation (obro') is collective. If one family member is 'qo'li egri,' it reflects poorly on the entire family tree.

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Use 'biroz' to soften it

Saying 'qo'li biroz egri' (his hand is a bit crooked) makes the accusation sound slightly less aggressive while still conveying the warning.

⚠️

Don't use for physical injury

If someone's hand is physically bent from an accident, use 'shikastlangan' (injured) instead to avoid calling them a thief by mistake.

Significado

A person who is a thief.

💡

Use 'biroz' to soften it

Saying 'qo'li biroz egri' (his hand is a bit crooked) makes the accusation sound slightly less aggressive while still conveying the warning.

⚠️

Don't use for physical injury

If someone's hand is physically bent from an accident, use 'shikastlangan' (injured) instead to avoid calling them a thief by mistake.

💬

The Mahalla Factor

In Uzbekistan, this phrase is often used as a form of social control to maintain honesty within a neighborhood.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.

Uning ______ egri, shuning uchun hamma narsasini berkitib qo'yadi.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: qo'li

The sentence refers to 'him' (uning), so the 3rd person possessive 'qo'li' is required.

What does 'Qo'li egri' mean in this context?

Ehtiyot bo'l, u bolaning qo'li egri.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: The boy is a thief.

In this context, it is a warning about the boy's character.

Match the Uzbek phrase with its English meaning.

Match the following:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: a

These are three common 'hand' idioms in Uzbek.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Nega uni ishga olmadingiz? B: Chunki uning _________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: qo'li egri ekan

The context implies a negative reason for not hiring someone.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom. Fill Blank A1

Uning ______ egri, shuning uchun hamma narsasini berkitib qo'yadi.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: qo'li

The sentence refers to 'him' (uning), so the 3rd person possessive 'qo'li' is required.

What does 'Qo'li egri' mean in this context? Choose A1

Ehtiyot bo'l, u bolaning qo'li egri.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: The boy is a thief.

In this context, it is a warning about the boy's character.

Match the Uzbek phrase with its English meaning. Match A2

Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: a

These are three common 'hand' idioms in Uzbek.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: Nega uni ishga olmadingiz? B: Chunki uning _________.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: qo'li egri ekan

The context implies a negative reason for not hiring someone.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is not a 'swear word,' but it is a very serious accusation. Use it carefully.

Yes, it is gender-neutral. 'Uning qo'li egri' can mean 'His hand is crooked' or 'Her hand is crooked.'

The most common opposite is 'qo'li to'g'ri' (honest) or 'halol odam' (honest person).

Yes, often used for children who take things without asking, though it's a bit harsh.

No, it can mean stealing anything—phones, food, or even ideas in a workplace.

Yes, it is very common in Uzbek literature to describe villainous characters.

You would say: 'Mening qo'lim egri emas.'

Yes, they are interchangeable synonyms in the context of stealing.

Only if you are speaking informally with a trusted partner. In a formal meeting, use 'ishonchsiz' (untrustworthy).

In idioms, yes. 'Egri yo'l' (crooked path) means a life of crime or sin.

Frases relacionadas

🔄

Qo'li uzun

synonym

Long-handed; also means a thief.

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Qo'li ochiq

contrast

Open-handed; generous.

🔗

Qo'li to'g'ri

contrast

Straight-handed; honest.

🔗

Burni egri

similar

Crooked nose.

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