Signification
To keep a secret
Contexte culturel
Latvians value 'klusēšana' (silence) as a sign of maturity. Children are often taught this idiom early to discourage gossiping. Across the Baltics, there is a shared history of needing to be careful with words during Soviet times. This idiom took on a more serious 'survival' meaning during the 20th century. In Latvian offices, 'turēt mēli aiz zobiem' is often used as a soft way to discuss NDAs or sensitive client info without sounding too legalistic. Many Latvian proverbs emphasize that words, once spoken, cannot be taken back. This idiom is the practical application of that wisdom.
The 'Trust' Signal
Using this phrase shows you understand Latvian social nuances. It's a great way to build rapport.
Don't be too aggressive
If you say it too loudly, it sounds like 'Shut up!'. Keep your voice calm and friendly.
Signification
To keep a secret
The 'Trust' Signal
Using this phrase shows you understand Latvian social nuances. It's a great way to build rapport.
Don't be too aggressive
If you say it too loudly, it sounds like 'Shut up!'. Keep your voice calm and friendly.
Use with 'Apsolu'
Combine it with 'Es apsolu' (I promise) for maximum impact: 'Es apsolu turēt mēli aiz zobiem.'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Lūdzu, turi mēli aiz _______!
The full idiom is 'turēt mēli aiz zobiem' (to hold the tongue behind the teeth).
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'keep a secret'?
How do you say 'I can keep a secret'?
The verb must be 'turēt' and the preposition 'aiz'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate form of the idiom.
A: Es tev pateikšu noslēpumu. B: Labi, es apsolu, ka _______.
Since it's a promise for the future, the future tense 'turēšu' is required.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesLūdzu, turi mēli aiz _______!
The full idiom is 'turēt mēli aiz zobiem' (to hold the tongue behind the teeth).
How do you say 'I can keep a secret'?
The verb must be 'turēt' and the preposition 'aiz'.
A: Es tev pateikšu noslēpumu. B: Labi, es apsolu, ka _______.
Since it's a promise for the future, the future tense 'turēšu' is required.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's generally neutral. However, like any idiom about silence, tone of voice matters.
Yes, if you are discussing a confidential project. It shows you are professional.
'Turēt mēli aiz zobiem' is about secrets. 'Turēt muti' is about stopping noise/talking and can be rude.
It's a 2nd conjugation verb: es turu, tu turi, viņš tur, mēs turam, jūs turat, viņi tur.
Sometimes people just say 'Mēli aiz zobiem!' as a quick reminder.
It's better to use 'konfidenciāli' or 'neizpaust' in very formal writing.
No, it means to stay silent, not to tell a lie.
Yes, Lithuanian has a very similar version: 'laikyti liežuvį už dantų'.
No, that's not a standard idiom. Stick to 'zobiem' (teeth).
You can say 'Viņš neprot turēt mēli aiz zobiem.'
Expressions liées
Turēt muti
similarTo shut up / To keep quiet
Klusēt kā kapa piemineklis
synonymTo be silent as a grave
Izpļāpāties
contrastTo blab / To let a secret slip
Mēles palaišana
contrastLetting the tongue loose
Glabāt noslēpumu
synonymTo keep a secret
