Signification
To become confused or tangled.
Contexte culturel
In Estonian folklore, a 'sass' was sometimes seen as a mischievous spirit. If you woke up with tangled hair, it was said the 'sass' had been visiting. The phrase is often used in the context of 'Kört-Pärtli särk' (Kört-Pärtli's shirt), a folk expression for something incredibly messy and patched together. Knitting is still a very popular hobby in Estonia. You will often hear this phrase used literally in knitting circles (käsitööringid). Estonians are known for being reserved. Saying 'mul läksid asjad sassi' is a polite, non-confrontational way to admit a mistake without losing face.
The 'To Me' Construction
Instead of saying 'I got confused', Estonians often say 'Mul läksid asjad sassi' (To me, things went tangled). It sounds much more native!
Plural Agreement
If you are talking about 'mõtted' (thoughts) or 'juuksed' (hair), remember that the verb must be plural: 'läksid'.
Signification
To become confused or tangled.
The 'To Me' Construction
Instead of saying 'I got confused', Estonians often say 'Mul läksid asjad sassi' (To me, things went tangled). It sounds much more native!
Plural Agreement
If you are talking about 'mõtted' (thoughts) or 'juuksed' (hair), remember that the verb must be plural: 'läksid'.
Polite Mistakes
Use this phrase when you make a mistake in Estonian. It shows you know the language well enough to use an idiom to apologize for not knowing the language!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'minema' (läks or läksid).
Mul ______ mõtted sassi.
Because 'mõtted' (thoughts) is plural, the verb must be 'läksid'.
Which sentence is correct for 'My hair is messy'?
Vali õige lause:
We use 'sassis' to describe the current state of being messy.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You mixed up the dates for a meeting.
Dates (kuupäevad) are commonly 'sassi' when mixed up.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMul ______ mõtted sassi.
Because 'mõtted' (thoughts) is plural, the verb must be 'läksid'.
Vali õige lause:
We use 'sassis' to describe the current state of being messy.
You mixed up the dates for a meeting.
Dates (kuupäevad) are commonly 'sassi' when mixed up.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot usually. You wouldn't say 'Ma läksin sassi'. You would say 'Mul läks pea sassi' or 'Ma läksin segadusse'.
Yes, it's perfectly fine to say 'Andmed läksid sassi' (The data got mixed up). It's neutral and professional.
'Sassi' is the movement (into the mess), 'sassis' is the state (being in the mess).
Only if the food is literally tangled, like spaghetti. Otherwise, use 'põhja kõrbema' (burnt) or 'halvaks minema' (gone bad).
Yes, it's a noun meaning 'tangle' or 'knot', but it's most commonly used in this idiom.
Expressions liées
Sassis olema
similarTo be in a state of confusion/tanglement
Sassi ajama
builds onTo mess something up
Segadusse sattuma
synonymTo fall into confusion
Juhet kokku jooksutama
slangTo have one's wires cross/brain freeze
Pundar
similarA physical bundle or mess
