Signification
To defame someone
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Maanam' (honor) is so strong that defamation can lead to lifelong family feuds. This idiom is a verbal warning of such social consequences. In many 'Mass' movies, the hero uses this phrase when the villain tries to frame him for a crime he didn't commit. The phrase is a staple in political satire and cartoons in newspapers like 'Pacha Kuthira' or 'Malayala Manorama'. In villages, 'Mannu' is life. Throwing it at someone is seen as a perversion of the very thing that feeds the community.
Use with 'Mel'
Always use '...ude mel' (on top of ...) to indicate the target of the defamation.
Don't be literal
If you use this while gardening, people might think you are talking about a social scandal!
Signification
To defame someone
Use with 'Mel'
Always use '...ude mel' (on top of ...) to indicate the target of the defamation.
Don't be literal
If you use this while gardening, people might think you are talking about a social scandal!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ മേൽ മണ്ണ് ____ എറിയരുത്.
'Vaari' (scooping) is the standard part of this idiom.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'defamation'?
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence provides the context of trying to make someone look bad (chīthayākkān).
Match the situation to the use of the idiom.
A politician is making false claims about his rival during a speech.
False claims in politics is the classic 'mud-slinging' scenario.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesമറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ മേൽ മണ്ണ് ____ എറിയരുത്.
'Vaari' (scooping) is the standard part of this idiom.
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence provides the context of trying to make someone look bad (chīthayākkān).
A politician is making false claims about his rival during a speech.
False claims in politics is the classic 'mud-slinging' scenario.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsThe phrase itself isn't a swear word, but it describes a very negative and offensive action. Calling someone a 'mud-thrower' is an insult.
Yes, if you are being defamed, you can say 'Ente mel mannu vaari eriyaruthu' (Don't throw dirt on me).
'Mannu vaari eriyuka' is like an active attack (throwing), while 'Karivaarithekkuka' (smearing charcoal) implies the damage is already done and the person's face is blackened.
Expressions liées
കരിവാരിത്തേക്കുക
synonymTo smear charcoal on someone's face.
ചളി വാരി എറിയുക
similarTo throw mud.
പഴി ചാരുക
builds onTo shift blame.
