Signification
To ignore or overlook something.
Contexte culturel
In Latvian society, 'skatīties caur pirkstiem' is often linked to the concept of 'kaimiņu būšana' (neighborly relations), where people help each other by not reporting minor issues. In business, this phrase can be a warning. If a partner says they 'can't look through fingers' anymore, it means they are about to take legal action. Teachers in Latvia are often praised for being 'human' if they know when to look through their fingers at a student's personal struggles. Journalists frequently use this phrase to criticize the government for ignoring corruption or social problems.
Use it for Leniency
This is the best phrase to use when you want to sound like a kind, understanding person in Latvian.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'caur pirkstiem' exactly as it is. Only change the verb 'skatīties'.
Signification
To ignore or overlook something.
Use it for Leniency
This is the best phrase to use when you want to sound like a kind, understanding person in Latvian.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'caur pirkstiem' exactly as it is. Only change the verb 'skatīties'.
Reflexive Verb Alert
Remember that 'skatīties' is reflexive. Don't forget the '-ies' or '-as' endings!
Social Harmony
Using this phrase shows you understand the Latvian value of avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Skolotājs šodien ____ caur ____.
The standard idiom is 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'.
What does it mean when someone 'skatās caur pirkstiem'?
If your boss 'skatās caur pirkstiem' on your mistake, he is:
The idiom means to ignore a mistake, usually in a kind way.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'?
Ignoring a small mess is a perfect use of this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Es aizmirsu atslēgas! B: Nekas, šoreiz es ____.
The future tense 'skatīšos' fits the context of a future promise of forgiveness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Idiom vs. Literal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSkolotājs šodien ____ caur ____.
The standard idiom is 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'.
If your boss 'skatās caur pirkstiem' on your mistake, he is:
The idiom means to ignore a mistake, usually in a kind way.
Which situation best fits 'skatīties caur pirkstiem'?
Ignoring a small mess is a perfect use of this idiom.
A: Es aizmirsu atslēgas! B: Nekas, šoreiz es ____.
The future tense 'skatīšos' fits the context of a future promise of forgiveness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's generally neutral or even positive, as it implies kindness or mercy.
Yes, if you are talking about your management style (e.g., 'I know when to be strict and when to look through fingers').
The opposite would be 'būt stingram' (to be strict) or 'sekot līdzi katram sīkumam' (to follow every detail).
Usually yes, but you can also 'look through fingers' at abstract things like 'rules' or 'problems'.
It comes from the physical gesture of peeking through your hands while covering your face.
No, it must be plural ('pirkstiem') because you use both hands/multiple fingers in the gesture.
Yes, it is frequently used in Latvian political journalism.
Mostly, but it specifically means ignoring something *wrong* or *imperfect*.
Not really. It's more about mistakes than secrets.
Yes, many Latvian pop and rock songs use it to describe relationships.
Expressions liées
Pievērt acis
synonymTo close one's eyes to something.
Nelaist ne auss
similarTo not even give an ear (to ignore advice).
Izlikties par beigtu
similarTo pretend to be dead.
Turēt acis vaļā
contrastTo keep eyes wide open.
Pamanīt katru sīkumu
contrastTo notice every little detail.
