Signification
Informal term for bribery
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects a deep-seated frustration with 'Speed Money' (Lach-Luchpat). It is a common theme in Marathi literature and cinema, often used to portray the 'Common Man's' struggle. Younger generations use this phrase sarcastically on social media to mock public figures or slow infrastructure projects. In villages, this phrase is often used when dealing with local land records (Talathi) or water distribution issues. Satirical plays (Vidyadhar Gokhale or P.L. Deshpande style) use this idiom to create humor out of tragic social realities.
Negative Connotation
This is not a 'nice' phrase. Use it to criticize, not to describe a friendly gift.
Grammar Check
Always use 'ओले' (plural) even if you are talking about one person, as 'hands' are usually referred to in plural in this idiom.
Signification
Informal term for bribery
Negative Connotation
This is not a 'nice' phrase. Use it to criticize, not to describe a friendly gift.
Grammar Check
Always use 'ओले' (plural) even if you are talking about one person, as 'hands' are usually referred to in plural in this idiom.
Social Context
In Marathi culture, being accused of having 'wet hands' is a serious blow to one's reputation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
काम लवकर होण्यासाठी त्याने क्लार्कचे ____ केले.
'हात ओले करणे' is the correct idiom for bribery.
Which sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'bribery'?
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence B uses the idiom in its figurative sense of bribery.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the idiom.
Situation: A businessman wants a construction permit quickly and offers money to an officer.
Offering money for a permit is 'हात ओले करणे'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'माझी फाईल महिनाभर हललीच नाही.' B: 'अरे, मग तू कोणाचे ____?'
The context of a stuck file suggests bribery is needed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Wet vs. Wash
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesकाम लवकर होण्यासाठी त्याने क्लार्कचे ____ केले.
'हात ओले करणे' is the correct idiom for bribery.
Choose the correct sentence:
Sentence B uses the idiom in its figurative sense of bribery.
Situation: A businessman wants a construction permit quickly and offers money to an officer.
Offering money for a permit is 'हात ओले करणे'.
A: 'माझी फाईल महिनाभर हललीच नाही.' B: 'अरे, मग तू कोणाचे ____?'
The context of a stuck file suggests bribery is needed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo! That would imply the gift is a bribe. Use 'भेटवस्तू देणे' (Bhetvastu dene) for gifts.
Mostly yes, but it can also refer to expensive gifts or favors given with the same corrupt intent.
Yes, very frequently in headlines about corruption scandals or political satire.
The opposite is 'हात स्वच्छ असणे' (to have clean hands), meaning to be honest.
Extremely. It is an accusation of a crime. Only use it when talking *about* the situation, not *to* the person.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'wet' (ओला). 'Oily' would not be understood as bribery.
You can, but 'Haat Ole Kele' (plural) is much more natural and common.
Hindi uses 'Haath Garam Karna' (to warm the hand), which is similar but uses 'warm' instead of 'wet'.
Only sarcastically. Usually, tipping is just 'टिप देणे'.
It's more of an informal idiom than pure slang, but it's definitely not formal.
Expressions liées
हात धुणे
contrastTo lose an opportunity or to wash one's hands of something.
पाकीट गरम करणे
synonymTo bribe someone (literally 'to warm the pocket').
टेबलाखालून देणे
similarTo give under the table.
हात स्वच्छ असणे
contrastTo be honest/clean-handed.
