Signification
Being in a state of constant conflict.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects the rural-agrarian roots of Tamil society where cats were kept to protect grain from rats. Many 'Masala' movies feature a hero and heroine who start 'eliyum poonaiyumaga' to create comedic tension. Fables like the Panchatantra use these animals to teach children about strategy and natural alliances/enmities. Even in modern cities, this phrase is used for traffic jams or the relationship between different public departments.
Use with 'iru'
Always pair this with the verb 'iru' (to be) to describe a state of being.
Not for serious hate
Don't use this for deep, violent hatred; it's more for bickering and rivalry.
Signification
Being in a state of constant conflict.
Use with 'iru'
Always pair this with the verb 'iru' (to be) to describe a state of being.
Not for serious hate
Don't use this for deep, violent hatred; it's more for bickering and rivalry.
The '-aga' suffix
Remember that '-aga' turns the nouns into a description of 'how' they are living.
Tom & Jerry
If you forget the animals, just think of Tom and Jerry—it's the exact same concept!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom form.
அந்த இரு சகோதரர்களும் எப்போதும் ________ இருக்கிறார்கள்.
The standard Tamil idiom for bickering is 'Eliyum Poonaiyumaga'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'எலியும் பூனையுமாக'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom describes constant conflict or bickering.
Match the Tamil phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
The literal and figurative match is cat and mouse.
Complete the dialogue.
அப்பா: 'ஏன் குழந்தைகள் சத்தம் போடுகிறார்கள்?' அம்மா: 'அவர்கள் எப்போதும் _________ தான் இருப்பார்கள்.'
In the context of children making noise/fighting, this idiom fits perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Conflict Intensity
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅந்த இரு சகோதரர்களும் எப்போதும் ________ இருக்கிறார்கள்.
The standard Tamil idiom for bickering is 'Eliyum Poonaiyumaga'.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom describes constant conflict or bickering.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The literal and figurative match is cat and mouse.
அப்பா: 'ஏன் குழந்தைகள் சத்தம் போடுகிறார்கள்?' அம்மா: 'அவர்கள் எப்போதும் _________ தான் இருப்பார்கள்.'
In the context of children making noise/fighting, this idiom fits perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common to describe a couple that bickers a lot but stays together.
Both are used, but '...umaga' is more idiomatic when describing their state of being.
No, it's generally considered a colorful and slightly humorous way to describe conflict.
'Snake and Mongoose' implies a fight to the death, while 'Cat and Mouse' is about constant bickering.
Yes, it's perfect for describing a long-standing rivalry between two teams.
Not necessarily. It often describes people who are close but just can't stop arguing.
அவர்கள் எலியும் பூனையுமாக இருக்கிறார்கள் (Avargal eliyum poonaiyumaga irukkiraargal).
Rarely. It's mostly for speech, stories, and informal journalism.
No, the idiom is fixed with 'Eli' and 'Poonai'. Changing them would make it not an idiom.
Usually no, but it can be used affectionately to describe the 'spark' in a relationship.
Expressions liées
பாம்பும் கீரியும் போல
similarLike a snake and a mongoose
ஒரே குட்டையில் ஊறிய மட்டைகள்
contrastBirds of a feather / soaked in the same pond
நகமும் சதையும் போல
contrastLike nail and flesh
கண்ணும் கருத்தும்
builds onWith eyes and mind (total focus)
பகைமை
synonymEnmity
