Signification
Evil people tend to stick together.
Contexte culturel
The term 'Mashi' (mother's sister) is associated with comfort and care. Using 'Mastuto Bhai' sarcastically shows how even the most 'comfortable' relationships can be found in crime. This phrase is a staple in political cartoons in Bangladesh and West Bengal to show 'unholy alliances' between parties. Classic films often use this proverb to expose the villain's henchmen. On Bengali Facebook, this is often used as a hashtag (#চোরেচোরেমাসতুতোভাই) to mock celebrity scandals.
Use it for irony
The best way to use this is with a slightly ironic or sarcastic tone of voice.
Don't be too literal
If you use it to describe actual cousins who are thieves, people might get confused. It's almost always metaphorical.
Signification
Evil people tend to stick together.
Use it for irony
The best way to use this is with a slightly ironic or sarcastic tone of voice.
Don't be too literal
If you use it to describe actual cousins who are thieves, people might get confused. It's almost always metaphorical.
The 'Mashi' connection
Remember that 'Mastuto' implies a mother's side connection, which is traditionally seen as more affectionate in Bengal.
Shorten it
In very casual talk, you can just say 'চোরে চোরে...' and leave the rest for the listener to finish.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
চোরে চোরে ______ ভাই।
The standard proverb specifically uses 'Mastuto' (maternal cousin).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Two students are caught helping each other cheat on a test.
The proverb is used for people collaborating on something wrong or dishonest.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
চোরে চোরে মাসতুতো ভাই means:
It describes the alliance between people of similar bad character.
Complete the dialogue.
A: রহিম আর করিম দুজনেই অফিসের টাকা চুরি করেছে। B: অবাক হওয়ার কিছু নেই, ওরা তো ______।
This is the most natural proverbial response to a situation involving theft and collusion.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesচোরে চোরে ______ ভাই।
The standard proverb specifically uses 'Mastuto' (maternal cousin).
Two students are caught helping each other cheat on a test.
The proverb is used for people collaborating on something wrong or dishonest.
চোরে চোরে মাসতুতো ভাই means:
It describes the alliance between people of similar bad character.
A: রহিম আর করিম দুজনেই অফিসের টাকা চুরি করেছে। B: অবাক হওয়ার কিছু নেই, ওরা তো ______।
This is the most natural proverbial response to a situation involving theft and collusion.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is generally an insult or a criticism of someone's character and their choice of friends.
Only if you are joking and they know you are teasing them for being mischievous.
Culturally, the bond between sisters' children (Mastuto) was seen as the most naturally harmonious, hence the metaphor for 'seamless' cooperation.
Yes, it is equally popular in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
The closest is 'Birds of a feather flock together,' but specifically for bad people.
No, it is too informal and carries a negative connotation of theft/dishonesty.
No, it can describe a whole group of people who are all 'in on it.'
In this proverb, 'Chore' represents anyone who is dishonest, lazy, or doing something wrong, not just a literal thief.
Not really. For positive pairs, use 'Manik-Jor' (Jewel-pair).
It's pronounced Maas-too-toh, with a soft 't' (dental).
Expressions liées
চোরে চোরে ভাই ভাই
similarThieves are brothers.
মানিক-জোড়
contrastAn inseparable pair (like jewels).
একই থালের চাটনি
similarChutney from the same plate.
ঝোপ বুঝে কোপ মারা
builds onStrike when the bush is right (make use of an opportunity).
