Signification
A situation that never seems to end.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is heavily associated with the 1999 TV series 'Yılan Hikayesi', which was one of the most-watched shows in Turkish history. It influenced how the phrase is used in modern pop culture. Turkish citizens often use this phrase to criticize the slow pace of government offices (tapu, belediye, etc.). It is a socially acceptable way to vent frustration. In Turkish football, 'transfer yılan hikayesine döndü' is a standard headline for any player negotiation that lasts more than two weeks. The 'snake' in the idiom refers to the 'Shahmaran' or similar mythical creatures whose stories were told in winding, endless loops in village coffeehouses.
Use 'Adeta' for Impact
Adding 'adeta' makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a touch of poetic frustration.
Don't use with 'olmak'
While 'yılan hikayesi oldu' is used, 'yılan hikayesine döndü' is much more idiomatic and common.
Signification
A situation that never seems to end.
Use 'Adeta' for Impact
Adding 'adeta' makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It adds a touch of poetic frustration.
Don't use with 'olmak'
While 'yılan hikayesi oldu' is used, 'yılan hikayesine döndü' is much more idiomatic and common.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the idiom.
Belediyenin yeni yol çalışması iki yıldır bitmedi, ______ bir yılan hikayesine ______.
The standard idiom is 'adeta bir yılan hikayesine dönmek'.
Which situation is best described as a 'yılan hikayesi'?
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisi için bu deyim kullanılır?
The idiom requires a long-term, complicated, and unresolved process.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Ayşe: 'Yeni evin tadilatı ne zaman bitiyor?' Fatma: 'Hiç sorma, usta parayı alıp kaçtı, ______.'
Fatma is complaining about a complicated delay, making the idiom perfect here.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesBelediyenin yeni yol çalışması iki yıldır bitmedi, ______ bir yılan hikayesine ______.
The standard idiom is 'adeta bir yılan hikayesine dönmek'.
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisi için bu deyim kullanılır?
The idiom requires a long-term, complicated, and unresolved process.
Ayşe: 'Yeni evin tadilatı ne zaman bitiyor?' Fatma: 'Hiç sorma, usta parayı alıp kaçtı, ______.'
Fatma is complaining about a complicated delay, making the idiom perfect here.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, almost always. It implies frustration, wasted time, and lack of resolution.
No. If you like it, it's not a 'yılan hikayesi'. Use it only if the book is taking too long to finish and you are annoyed.
No, but it's very common. You can just say 'yılan hikayesine döndü'.
'Arap saçına dönmek' means it's messy and confusing. 'Yılan hikayesi' means it's taking forever.
Expressions liées
Arap saçına dönmek
similarTo become incredibly tangled and complicated.
Sakız gibi uzamak
similarTo be dragged out unnecessarily.
Çıkmaza girmek
similarTo reach a dead end.
Tereyağından kıl çeker gibi
contrastVery easily and smoothly.
