Signification
To give up or accept defeat in a situation.
Contexte culturel
In Greek politics, 'καταθέτω τα όπλα' is often used by opposition parties to accuse the government of 'selling out' to international lenders (like during the 2015 crisis). Fans often use this phrase to criticize their team if they feel the players aren't showing enough 'psichi' (soul) or fighting spirit. The phrase evokes memories of the Greek Civil War and the 1821 Revolution, where literal laying down of arms was a matter of life and death. It's used ironically in 'cancel culture' or online arguments when someone realizes they are being 'ratioed' or can't win the debate.
Use the Aorist
You will use 'κατέθεσα' (past) much more often than 'καταθέτω' (present), as giving up is usually reported as a finished event.
Not for Objects
Never use this for putting down a bag or a book. Use 'αφήνω' (leave/put down) instead.
Signification
To give up or accept defeat in a situation.
Use the Aorist
You will use 'κατέθεσα' (past) much more often than 'καταθέτω' (present), as giving up is usually reported as a finished event.
Not for Objects
Never use this for putting down a bag or a book. Use 'αφήνω' (leave/put down) instead.
The 'Oxi' Spirit
Greeks value 'not giving up'. Using this phrase about yourself can sound humble or exhausted; using it about others can sound like a critique.
Teste-toi
Συμπληρώστε το σωστό τύπο του ρήματος 'καταθέτω'.
Μετά από δέκα ώρες δουλειάς, ο Γιάννης ______ τα όπλα και πήγε για ύπνο.
We need the Aorist (past tense) because the action is completed.
Ποια είναι η σημασία της φράσης στην παρακάτω πρόταση;
Η κυβέρνηση δεν θα καταθέσει τα όπλα μπροστά στις δυσκολίες.
The negation 'δεν' means they will NOT give up.
Αντιστοιχίστε τις φράσεις με τη σημασία τους.
1. Καταθέτω τα όπλα, 2. Ρίχνω λευκή πετσέτα, 3. Υψώνω λευκή σημαία
These are subtle differences between similar idioms.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesΜετά από δέκα ώρες δουλειάς, ο Γιάννης ______ τα όπλα και πήγε για ύπνο.
We need the Aorist (past tense) because the action is completed.
Η κυβέρνηση δεν θα καταθέσει τα όπλα μπροστά στις δυσκολίες.
The negation 'δεν' means they will NOT give up.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are subtle differences between similar idioms.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot necessarily, but telling someone 'Κατάθεσε τα όπλα' can sound like you are telling them they have already lost, which can be annoying.
Yes, to describe a past failure or a time you had to be pragmatic. 'Κατάλαβα ότι το πρότζεκτ δεν ήταν βιώσιμο και κατέθεσα τα όπλα.'
'Τα παρατάω' is more common and informal. 'Καταθέτω τα όπλα' is more dramatic and implies a struggle preceded the quitting.
Expressions liées
παραδίδω τα όπλα
synonymTo hand over the weapons.
ρίχνω λευκή πετσέτα
similarTo throw in the white towel.
υψώνω λευκή σημαία
similarTo raise a white flag.
κρατάω γερά
contrastTo hold on tight / stay strong.
