Signification
To be embarrassed to show oneself.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Philotimo' (love of honor) is the backbone of this idiom. To lose your 'face' is to temporarily lose your philotimo in the eyes of another. In Cyprus, the idiom is used similarly, but the pronunciation of 'μούτρα' might have a heavier 'sh' sound (μούτσια) in some local dialects. The 'face' as a social currency is common across Italy, Spain, and Greece, reflecting a shared history of community-based honor systems. In modern Greece, this is frequently used to describe 'ghosting' or social media awkwardness.
Use it for Apologies
Starting an apology with 'Δεν είχα μούτρα να σε πάρω...' shows deep sincerity and humility.
Plural Only
Never say 'δεν έχω μούτρο' in this context. It must always be plural.
Signification
To be embarrassed to show oneself.
Use it for Apologies
Starting an apology with 'Δεν είχα μούτρα να σε πάρω...' shows deep sincerity and humility.
Plural Only
Never say 'δεν έχω μούτρο' in this context. It must always be plural.
The Rhetorical Twist
Use 'Με τι μούτρα...;' to challenge someone who is acting shamelessly. It's a very powerful rhetorical tool.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the idiom.
Μετά το ψέμα που είπα στη Μαρία, δεν ______ ______ να την πάρω τηλέφωνο.
The context of a lie implies shame, so 'έχω μούτρα' is correct.
Which sentence is correct?
Someone forgot to invite their best friend to their wedding. They feel terrible.
The negative 'δεν' is essential to express the lack of nerve/face.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Γιατί κρύβεσαι από τον διευθυντή; Β: __________________________.
Hiding from a boss after a mistake perfectly fits 'δεν έχω μούτρα'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΜετά το ψέμα που είπα στη Μαρία, δεν ______ ______ να την πάρω τηλέφωνο.
The context of a lie implies shame, so 'έχω μούτρα' is correct.
Someone forgot to invite their best friend to their wedding. They feel terrible.
The negative 'δεν' is essential to express the lack of nerve/face.
Α: Γιατί κρύβεσαι από τον διευθυντή; Β: __________________________.
Hiding from a boss after a mistake perfectly fits 'δεν έχω μούτρα'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'mug' or 'puss' in English. Use it with friends, not your boss.
Usually, it's for things that cause real embarrassment. For small things, just say 'ντρέπομαι' (I am shy/embarrassed).
'Πρόσωπο' is more formal and serious. 'Μούτρα' is more common in everyday speech.
Expressions liées
δεν έχω πρόσωπο
synonymTo be too ashamed to show oneself.
κάνω μούτρα
contrastTo pout or sulk.
μου έπεσαν τα μούτρα
similarTo be humiliated or disappointed.
έχω το μούτρο
specialized formTo have the nerve/gall.
