Signification
Refusing to talk because of anger.
Contexte culturel
Silence is often seen as a sign of 'hüzün' (deep melancholy), which is a valued emotional state in Turkish culture, especially in music and poetry. The idiom reflects a time when physical metaphors were common in the language to describe psychological states, using everyday objects like knives. On Turkish Twitter, you might see this phrase used when a celebrity or politician remains silent during a scandal. In Turkish families, the 'silent treatment' (küsmek) is a common way to express displeasure, and this idiom is the perfect way to describe that state.
Use it for empathy
Using this phrase shows you understand the depth of someone's pain. It's more empathetic than just saying 'O sessiz' (He is quiet).
Don't use for secrets
If someone is just being secretive, use 'ser verip sır vermemek' instead.
Signification
Refusing to talk because of anger.
Use it for empathy
Using this phrase shows you understand the depth of someone's pain. It's more empathetic than just saying 'O sessiz' (He is quiet).
Don't use for secrets
If someone is just being secretive, use 'ser verip sır vermemek' instead.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Dün akşam babamla tartıştık, o zamandan beri babamın ______ bıçak açmıyor.
The idiom uses the accusative case 'ağzını' because it is the object of the (implied) action of the knife opening it.
In which situation is this idiom MOST appropriate?
Situation: Your friend just found out they failed their driving test for the third time and is staring silently at the floor.
'Ağzı kulaklarına varmak' means very happy, 'Ağzında bakla ıslanmamak' means can't keep a secret, and 'Ağzına geleni söylemek' means saying whatever comes to mind (usually insults).
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Merve neden bu kadar sessiz?' Fatma: '_________________'
The idiom explains an unusual, emotionally-driven silence.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesDün akşam babamla tartıştık, o zamandan beri babamın ______ bıçak açmıyor.
The idiom uses the accusative case 'ağzını' because it is the object of the (implied) action of the knife opening it.
Situation: Your friend just found out they failed their driving test for the third time and is staring silently at the floor.
'Ağzı kulaklarına varmak' means very happy, 'Ağzında bakla ıslanmamak' means can't keep a secret, and 'Ağzına geleni söylemek' means saying whatever comes to mind (usually insults).
Ayşe: 'Merve neden bu kadar sessiz?' Fatma: '_________________'
The idiom explains an unusual, emotionally-driven silence.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes! You can say 'O gün ağzımı bıçak açmadı' to describe your own past state of mind.
It can be a bit direct. It's better used to describe someone else, or as a concerned question: 'Neden ağzını bıçak açmıyor?'
No, it often means deep sadness or shock as well.
Expressions liées
dut yemiş bülbüle dönmek
similarTo become silent suddenly (usually out of embarrassment).
ağzı kulaklarına varmak
contrastTo be extremely happy (grinning from ear to ear).
sükut altınsa
relatedSilence is golden.
