Signification
A plan that does not succeed.
Contexte culturel
Fishing is a national pastime. The idiom reflects the deep connection to the 'nuotta' fishing tradition in Finnish lakes. Finns value trying hard. Using this idiom acknowledges that you did the work (pulled the net) even if you failed. The idiom is often used with self-deprecating humor to lighten the mood after a disappointment. It shows a stoic acceptance that nature (and life) doesn't always provide what we want.
Verb Gradation
Remember the t -> d change: vetää -> vedin. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't use for people
Don't say 'Hän on vesiperä.' It's an action you do (vetää), not a description of a person.
Signification
A plan that does not succeed.
Verb Gradation
Remember the t -> d change: vetää -> vedin. This is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't use for people
Don't say 'Hän on vesiperä.' It's an action you do (vetää), not a description of a person.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'vetää'.
Eilen me ______ vesiperän, kun etsimme uutta autoa.
'Eilen' (yesterday) and 'me' (we) requires the past tense plural form 'vedimme'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'vetää vesiperä'?
Mikä tilanne on 'vesiperä'?
Option B describes a failure to get what you wanted, which is the meaning of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Saitko sen asunnon? B: En, ______.
'Vedin vesiperän' is the natural idiomatic response to failing to get something.
Match the idiom to the result.
Match 'Vetää vesiperä' with its outcome:
The idiom specifically refers to a zero-result or failure.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEilen me ______ vesiperän, kun etsimme uutta autoa.
'Eilen' (yesterday) and 'me' (we) requires the past tense plural form 'vedimme'.
Mikä tilanne on 'vesiperä'?
Option B describes a failure to get what you wanted, which is the meaning of the idiom.
A: Saitko sen asunnon? B: En, ______.
'Vedin vesiperän' is the natural idiomatic response to failing to get something.
Match 'Vetää vesiperä' with its outcome:
The idiom specifically refers to a zero-result or failure.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, it refers to the 'back end' (perä) of a fishing net filled only with water (vesi).
It's a bit informal. Use 'tavoitteita ei saavutettu' for a more professional tone.
Because the failure is a 'total' result, we use the accusative case (n-ending or nominative-lookalike).
Expressions liées
jäädä luu käteen
similarTo be left with only a bone in hand.
tyhjin käsin
synonymEmpty-handed.
onnistua
contrastTo succeed.
saada saalista
contrastTo get a catch/prey.
