Signification
To deceive someone openly.
Contexte culturel
This idiom is a favorite for 'punch dialogues.' Heroes often use it when they uncover the villain's secret plot. News headlines use this idiom to describe government corruption or corporate scams to grab attention. In villages, this phrase is used very literally in disputes over land boundaries, where 'sand' (soil) is the central theme of life. Reflects the 'unethical' side of ancient combat where blinding an opponent was a desperate but effective move.
Use with 'Vittu'
Adding 'vittu' (தூவிவிட்டு) makes it sound more natural when describing a completed action: 'He cheated and then...'.
Not for Accidents
Never use this if someone accidentally bumps into you or makes a mistake. It implies they are a liar.
Signification
To deceive someone openly.
Use with 'Vittu'
Adding 'vittu' (தூவிவிட்டு) makes it sound more natural when describing a completed action: 'He cheated and then...'.
Not for Accidents
Never use this if someone accidentally bumps into you or makes a mistake. It implies they are a liar.
Political Context
If you want to sound like a native speaker discussing news, use this phrase to describe any government policy you don't like!
The 'Halwa' Alternative
In very casual settings with friends, use 'Halwa koduthal' for a more humorous take on the same meaning.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
அவன் பொய் சொல்லி என் ________ மண்ணைத் தூவினான்.
The idiom specifically uses 'கண்ணில்' (in the eye).
Which situation best fits the idiom?
When would you say 'கண்ணில் மண்ணைத் தூவுதல்'?
The idiom is for deception/cheating.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'இந்த போன் வெறும் 1000 ரூபாய் தான்.' B: 'பொய் சொல்லாதே! என் ________ ________ ________!'
The imperative negative 'தூவாதே' (don't throw) is correct here.
Match the Tamil phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
This is the direct idiomatic translation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Literal vs Figurative
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesஅவன் பொய் சொல்லி என் ________ மண்ணைத் தூவினான்.
The idiom specifically uses 'கண்ணில்' (in the eye).
When would you say 'கண்ணில் மண்ணைத் தூவுதல்'?
The idiom is for deception/cheating.
A: 'இந்த போன் வெறும் 1000 ரூபாய் தான்.' B: 'பொய் சொல்லாதே! என் ________ ________ ________!'
The imperative negative 'தூவாதே' (don't throw) is correct here.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
This is the direct idiomatic translation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is accusatory. Use it when you are sure someone cheated. It's not 'profane,' but it is strong.
No, because a surprise party is a 'good' deception. This idiom is for 'bad' deception.
நேர்மையாக இருத்தல் (Being honest) or உண்மையைச் சொல்லுதல் (Telling the truth).
Yes, it is universally understood across all Tamil dialects.
Yes, 'கண்களில்' (Kaṇkaḷil), but the singular 'கண்ணில்' is the standard idiomatic form.
It can mean soil, earth, or dirt. In this idiom, it represents anything that can blind.
Yes, 'ஏமாற்றுதல்' (Emāṟṟutal) is the formal, non-idiomatic verb.
Yes, but 'கண் கட்டு வித்தை' (eye-binding trick) is more specific for magic.
அவன் என் கண்ணில் மண்ணைத் தூவப் பார்க்கிறான்.
Yes, variations appear in medieval Tamil texts to describe the 'Maya' (illusion) of the world.
It might sound a bit dramatic for a small lie, but it's possible.
Just say 'கண்ணில் மண் விழுந்துவிட்டது'. Avoid the verb 'தூவுதல்'.
Expressions liées
கண்ணில் விரலை விட்டு ஆட்டுதல்
similarTo deceive someone mockingly.
நாமம் போடுதல்
specialized formTo cheat someone out of money.
அல்வா கொடுத்தல்
slangTo trick someone.
கண் மறைப்பு
similarSleight of hand.
உண்மையை மறைத்தல்
builds onHiding the truth.
