Signification
To refuse to speak.
Contexte culturel
In rural Lithuanian traditions, water is seen as a purifying but also a silencing element. The idiom reflects a history where silence was a form of dignity. Similar concepts exist in Latvian ('ūdeni mutē ieņemt'), showing a shared Baltic linguistic heritage regarding the metaphor of water and silence. Lithuanian journalists frequently use this idiom in headlines to criticize the lack of transparency in government.
Use with 'tarsi'
To sound more natural, use 'tarsi' (as if). Example: 'Jis tyli tarsi vandens į burną prisėmęs.'
Check the case
Always use 'vandens' (genitive). Using 'vandenį' (accusative) is a common learner mistake.
Signification
To refuse to speak.
Use with 'tarsi'
To sound more natural, use 'tarsi' (as if). Example: 'Jis tyli tarsi vandens į burną prisėmęs.'
Check the case
Always use 'vandens' (genitive). Using 'vandenį' (accusative) is a common learner mistake.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the genitive case.
Kodėl tu tyli? Ar _______ į burną prisėmei?
The idiom requires the genitive case 'vandens' because the verb 'prisemti' acts on a part of a substance.
Match the situation to the correct use of the idiom.
Situation: A politician refuses to answer questions about a scandal.
The idiom is perfect for describing a strategic refusal to comment.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the natural-sounding sentence:
The idiom applies to people (like witnesses) who are refusing to speak.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesKodėl tu tyli? Ar _______ į burną prisėmei?
The idiom requires the genitive case 'vandens' because the verb 'prisemti' acts on a part of a substance.
Situation: A politician refuses to answer questions about a scandal.
The idiom is perfect for describing a strategic refusal to comment.
Choose the natural-sounding sentence:
The idiom applies to people (like witnesses) who are refusing to speak.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsIt can be slightly provocative if used as a question to someone's face, but generally, it's considered a colorful, neutral expression.
Yes! You can say 'Aš prisėmiau vandens į burną' to mean you decided to stay quiet.
Close, but 'Cat got your tongue' often implies the person *can't* find words, while the Lithuanian idiom implies they are *choosing* not to speak.
Expressions liées
Tylėti kaip žemė
synonymTo be silent as the earth.
Burną užsiūti
similarTo sew the mouth shut.
Nė bum
informalNot a sound.
