Signification
Both options are equally bad.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is often used in 'Meyxana' (Azerbaijani folk rap/poetry) to mock rivals or social issues. While Turks understand this, they more commonly use 'Al birini, vur ötekinə'. The snake version is considered more 'Eastern' or 'Caucasian'. In mountain villages, snakes are still a real concern, so the proverb carries a more literal weight of danger than in Baku. This phrase is a staple in Azerbaijani political discourse, often used by the 'third way' or those who are disillusioned with all parties.
Use for emphasis
If you want to sound like a native speaker during a political debate, drop this phrase to show you are not easily fooled by either side.
Don't use with people you like
Calling someone a 'snake' (even indirectly) is a serious insult in Azerbaijan.
Signification
Both options are equally bad.
Use for emphasis
If you want to sound like a native speaker during a political debate, drop this phrase to show you are not easily fooled by either side.
Don't use with people you like
Calling someone a 'snake' (even indirectly) is a serious insult in Azerbaijan.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct case endings and particles.
İlanın ağ___ da lənət, qara___ da.
The words 'ağ' and 'qara' need the possessive suffix (-ı/-sı) and the dative case (-na) to show where the curse is directed.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
You are at a store and see two different brands of milk. One is expired, and the other has a broken seal.
Since both options are bad/unusable, the proverb perfectly expresses your rejection of both.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Səncə köhnə sistemlə işləyək, yoxsa bu yeni, amma mürəkkəb sistemlə?' Speaker B: '__________'
Speaker B is expressing that both systems are equally frustrating.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Equivalence of Evil
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesİlanın ağ___ da lənət, qara___ da.
The words 'ağ' and 'qara' need the possessive suffix (-ı/-sı) and the dative case (-na) to show where the curse is directed.
You are at a store and see two different brands of milk. One is expired, and the other has a broken seal.
Since both options are bad/unusable, the proverb perfectly expresses your rejection of both.
Speaker A: 'Səncə köhnə sistemlə işləyək, yoxsa bu yeni, amma mürəkkəb sistemlə?' Speaker B: '__________'
Speaker B is expressing that both systems are equally frustrating.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsWhile 'lənət' (curse) has religious roots, the proverb itself is secular and used in everyday life.
Technically yes, but it specifically references 'white' and 'black', so it's best for binary choices.
Expressions liées
Hamısı bir bezin qırağıdır
synonymThey are all made of the same cloth.
Beş barmağın beşi də birdir
similarAll five fingers are the same.
Yağışdan çıxdıq, yağmura düşdük
builds onWe left the rain and fell into the downpour.
