Signification
Criticism of those who act wealthy but are poor.
Contexte culturel
The proverb reflects the 'Mahalle Baskısı' (neighborhood pressure) where people feel they must look successful to be respected by their neighbors. The 'Tahtırevan' was specifically a symbol of the non-productive ruling class, making the proverb a subtle critique of the Ottoman social hierarchy. In the age of Instagram, this proverb has seen a massive resurgence in Turkey to describe 'fake' influencers. Turkish culture is generally conservative, but its proverbs are surprisingly earthy and vulgar, showing a 'folk' resistance to formal language.
Vulgarity Alert
The word 'sıçmaya' is considered very rude. Use the shortened version 'Ayranı yok içmeye...' to be safer.
The Ellipsis Trick
If you stop the sentence halfway, everyone will know exactly what you mean, and you'll sound like a native speaker who knows the social boundaries.
Signification
Criticism of those who act wealthy but are poor.
Vulgarity Alert
The word 'sıçmaya' is considered very rude. Use the shortened version 'Ayranı yok içmeye...' to be safer.
The Ellipsis Trick
If you stop the sentence halfway, everyone will know exactly what you mean, and you'll sound like a native speaker who knows the social boundaries.
Class Critique
Remember that this isn't just about money; it's about the 'audacity' of someone acting above their station.
Teste-toi
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Ayranı yok içmeye tahtırevanla gider sıçmaya'?
Ahmet has been unemployed for six months, but he just bought a gold-plated watch using his last credit card limit.
Ahmet is spending his last resources on a luxury item he doesn't need, which is the exact definition of the proverb.
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Ayranı yok __________, tahtırevanla gider __________.
The proverb uses the dative infinitive '-mAyA' to show purpose.
Match the person to the proverb.
1. A billionaire buying a private jet. 2. A student skipping meals to buy a designer belt. 3. A farmer saving money for a new tractor.
The proverb only applies when the person *cannot afford* the basic needs but chooses luxury. A billionaire can afford both.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
The Contrast of the Proverb
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAhmet has been unemployed for six months, but he just bought a gold-plated watch using his last credit card limit.
Ahmet is spending his last resources on a luxury item he doesn't need, which is the exact definition of the proverb.
Ayranı yok __________, tahtırevanla gider __________.
The proverb uses the dative infinitive '-mAyA' to show purpose.
1. A billionaire buying a private jet. 2. A student skipping meals to buy a designer belt. 3. A farmer saving money for a new tractor.
The proverb only applies when the person *cannot afford* the basic needs but chooses luxury. A billionaire can afford both.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, very much so! It's a favorite for criticizing influencers and people living on credit.
Yes, if you buy something expensive you can't afford, you can say it about yourself to show you are self-aware.
There isn't a direct 'polite' version of this specific proverb, but 'Ayağını yorganına göre uzat' is the polite way to say 'live within your means.'
It's equivalent to 'shitting' in English. Not a swear word like the F-word, but definitely not for polite company.
Expressions liées
Ayağını yorganına göre uzat
similarStretch your feet according to your quilt.
Görünüşe aldanma
similarDon't be fooled by appearances.
Zenginin malı züğürdün çenesini yorar
contrastThe rich man's wealth tires the poor man's jaw.
Ayranım budur, yarısı sudur
builds onThis is my ayran, half of it is water.
