Signification
To be completely controlled or manipulated by someone else.
Contexte culturel
The ox was traditionally considered the 'first property' of a household. The nose ring (mureure) was a rite of passage for a young bull, marking its transition into a working animal. The idiom is frequently used to describe 'Gap-Eul' relationships, highlighting the power imbalance in Korean society. The phrase reflects a society where hierarchy is strictly maintained; once someone is 'above' you through leverage, your autonomy is culturally expected to diminish. There is a long-standing trope of the 'Gong-cheo-ga' (henpecked husband) who is 'hooked by the nose' by a strong-willed wife.
Use with '제대로'
Adding '제대로' (properly/completely) before '코가 꿰였다' makes you sound much more native and emphasizes the severity of the situation.
Not for physical pain
If you actually get a nose piercing at a salon, do NOT use this idiom. Use '코를 뚫다' instead.
Signification
To be completely controlled or manipulated by someone else.
Use with '제대로'
Adding '제대로' (properly/completely) before '코가 꿰였다' makes you sound much more native and emphasizes the severity of the situation.
Not for physical pain
If you actually get a nose piercing at a salon, do NOT use this idiom. Use '코를 뚫다' instead.
The 'Marriage' Joke
If a Korean friend says they are 'hooked' by their spouse, they are usually complaining in a lighthearted, affectionate way about having to go home early.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
그는 사장님의 비밀을 알고 있어서 사장님의 코를 ( ) 수 있었다.
'코를 꿰다' is the active form meaning to gain control over someone.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
빚을 많이 지는 바람에 은행에 코가 ( ).
The past tense '꿰였다' is used to show the current state of being controlled.
Which situation best fits the idiom '코가 꿰이다'?
Which of these people is '코가 꿰인'?
This involves leverage (the secret) and control (doing homework).
Complete the dialogue.
가: 너 왜 저 사람이 시키는 대로 다 해? 나: 저번에 내가 한 실수를 저 사람이 알고 있거든. 완전히 ( ).
'코가 꿰였어' fits the context of being controlled due to a mistake.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices그는 사장님의 비밀을 알고 있어서 사장님의 코를 ( ) 수 있었다.
'코를 꿰다' is the active form meaning to gain control over someone.
빚을 많이 지는 바람에 은행에 코가 ( ).
The past tense '꿰였다' is used to show the current state of being controlled.
Which of these people is '코가 꿰인'?
This involves leverage (the secret) and control (doing homework).
가: 너 왜 저 사람이 시키는 대로 다 해? 나: 저번에 내가 한 실수를 저 사람이 알고 있거든. 완전히 ( ).
'코가 꿰였어' fits the context of being controlled due to a mistake.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt's not rude, but it is colorful. It's best used in casual or semi-formal settings. Don't use it to describe your boss to their face unless you have a very close relationship.
No, it's strictly for people or organizations that can be 'controlled' or 'manipulated.'
'약점을 잡히다' is the literal fact (someone caught your weakness). '코가 꿰이다' is the resulting feeling of being led around like an animal.
Yes, especially in legal, office, or revenge dramas where blackmail is a common plot point.
Expressions liées
약점을 잡히다
synonymTo have one's weakness caught.
목덜미를 잡히다
similarTo be caught by the scruff of the neck.
발목을 잡히다
similarTo have one's ankle caught.
코를 꿰다
builds onTo hook someone's nose.
손아귀에 넣다
similarTo put someone in one's palm/grasp.
