Signification
To endure a difficult situation.
Contexte culturel
During the 2010-2018 financial crisis, this phrase was the unofficial motto of the country. It appeared in almost every news broadcast to describe the resilience of the middle class. Similar to Greece, it is used to describe the historical resilience of the Cypriot people through various political upheavals. Greek athletes (like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Stefanos Tsitsipas) are often described with this phrase when they play through injuries, highlighting the 'warrior' spirit. Many songs about 'kaimos' (sorrow) use the imagery of clenching one's teeth to keep from crying or giving up.
Use the Aorist for emphasis
If you want to say you made a sudden decision to be brave, use 'έσφιξα'.
Don't use for anger
Remember, if you are angry at someone, use 'τρίζω τα δόντια' instead.
Signification
To endure a difficult situation.
Use the Aorist for emphasis
If you want to say you made a sudden decision to be brave, use 'έσφιξα'.
Don't use for anger
Remember, if you are angry at someone, use 'τρίζω τα δόντια' instead.
Newspaper Reading
Look for this phrase in the 'Οικονομία' (Economy) section of Greek newspapers; it's everywhere.
The 'Hypomoni' connection
This phrase is the active version of 'υπομονή' (patience). Use it when the patience requires effort.
Teste-toi
Συμπληρώστε το σωστό τύπο του ρήματος 'σφίγγω'.
Όταν ο δρομέας είδε την ανηφόρα, ________ τα δόντια και συνέχισε.
We use the Aorist (έσφιξε) because it describes a specific completed action in the past.
Ποια είναι η σωστή σημασία της φράσης;
Η Μαρία σφίγγει τα δόντια στη νέα της δουλειά.
The idiom refers to endurance and patience, not physical dental issues or anger.
Συμπληρώστε το διάλογο.
Α: Δεν αντέχω άλλο αυτή την κατάσταση! Β: Κάνε λίγη υπομονή, ________.
'Σφίξε τα δόντια' is the appropriate idiom for encouraging someone to endure.
Ταιριάξτε τη φράση με την κατάσταση.
Σε ποια περίπτωση θα λέγατε 'Σφίγγω τα δόντια';
The idiom is used for effort combined with hardship or pain.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Σφίγγω vs. Τρίζω
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΌταν ο δρομέας είδε την ανηφόρα, ________ τα δόντια και συνέχισε.
We use the Aorist (έσφιξε) because it describes a specific completed action in the past.
Η Μαρία σφίγγει τα δόντια στη νέα της δουλειά.
The idiom refers to endurance and patience, not physical dental issues or anger.
Α: Δεν αντέχω άλλο αυτή την κατάσταση! Β: Κάνε λίγη υπομονή, ________.
'Σφίξε τα δόντια' is the appropriate idiom for encouraging someone to endure.
Σε ποια περίπτωση θα λέγατε 'Σφίγγω τα δόντια';
The idiom is used for effort combined with hardship or pain.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot usually, but it can be seen as 'tough love'. It's better used with friends or peers rather than a grieving stranger.
Yes, it is very common when someone is trying not to cry or scream during a medical procedure or injury.
'Κάνω υπομονή' is more passive (waiting). 'Σφίγγω τα δόντια' implies a struggle or intense pressure.
Yes, especially in journalism and political commentary to describe national resilience.
Yes, but it sounds more like you are at the dentist describing a physical habit.
Yes, 'Σφίξου' (Tighten up) is a very informal way to tell someone to get a grip.
No, it is generally seen as a positive trait of strength and character.
No, it is strictly for difficult, painful, or high-pressure situations.
The past tense is 'έσφιξα' (I gritted).
Yes, it is used identically in Cypriot Greek.
The opposite would be 'τα παρατάω' (I give up) or 'καταρρέω' (I collapse).
Yes, like 'σφίγγουμε τα δόντια εδώ και χρόνια' (we've been gritting our teeth for years).
Expressions liées
κάνω την καρδιά μου πέτρα
similarTo harden one's heart/be tough.
βαστάω γερά
similarTo hold on tight/stay strong.
το παίρνω πάνω μου
builds onTo take the burden on oneself.
καταπίνω την προσβολή
specialized formTo swallow an insult.
το βάζω κάτω
contrastTo give up.
