Signification
Withdrawing from social or professional life.
Contexte culturel
The idiom is deeply linked to the concept of 'Uzlet' or 'Inziva'—withdrawing from the world to find God. It's seen as a noble act of maturity. There is a popular dream called 'Ege'ye yerleşmek' where burnt-out professionals 'pull their hand and skirt' from Istanbul to live in a coastal village. In the Ottoman court, touching someone's 'etek' (skirt) was a sign of loyalty or asking for a favor. Pulling the skirt away meant you were no longer available for such social transactions. When a patriarch or matriarch 'pulls their hand and skirt' from family business, it signals the official handover of power to the next generation.
Use it for 'Big' Decisions
Save this idiom for major life changes like retirement or quitting a long-term habit. It's too heavy for small things.
Don't forget the 'ğ'
When you add a suffix to 'etek', the 'k' always changes to 'ğ'. It's 'eteğini', never 'etekini'.
Signification
Withdrawing from social or professional life.
Use it for 'Big' Decisions
Save this idiom for major life changes like retirement or quitting a long-term habit. It's too heavy for small things.
Don't forget the 'ğ'
When you add a suffix to 'etek', the 'k' always changes to 'ğ'. It's 'eteğini', never 'etekini'.
Pair with 'Köye yerleşmek'
In Turkey, 'elini eteğini çekmek' and 'köye yerleşmek' (settling in a village) go together like bread and butter.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the idiom.
Dedem 40 yıl çalıştıktan sonra nihayet iş dünyasından _______ _______ _______.
The subject is 'Dedem' (My grandfather), so we use the 3rd person singular.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde deyim doğru kullanılmıştır?
The idiom is used for abstract spheres of life like politics, not physical objects or meals.
Match the person with the thing they might 'pull their hand and skirt' from.
Eşleştirme yapın:
All these are logical contexts for the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Eski patronun ne yapıyor?' Mehmet: 'O artık _______.'
The idiom implies stopping work, not starting new work.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDedem 40 yıl çalıştıktan sonra nihayet iş dünyasından _______ _______ _______.
The subject is 'Dedem' (My grandfather), so we use the 3rd person singular.
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde deyim doğru kullanılmıştır?
The idiom is used for abstract spheres of life like politics, not physical objects or meals.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
All these are logical contexts for the idiom.
Ayşe: 'Eski patronun ne yapıyor?' Mehmet: 'O artık _______.'
The idiom implies stopping work, not starting new work.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. It implies a permanent or very long-term withdrawal. For a break, use 'ara vermek'.
No, it's actually quite respectful. It suggests the person has chosen a peaceful life.
No, you can withdraw from social circles, politics, social media, or even 'the world' in a spiritual sense.
You say 'Elimi eteğimi çektim.' Remember to change both possessives.
'Istifa etmek' is just the act of resigning. 'Elini eteğini çekmek' describes the lifestyle change that follows.
Yes, but usually when talking about someone who has already left or is planning a final exit.
Yes, if it was a hobby you were very involved in for a long time.
It refers to the long robes worn in the Ottoman era. Pulling the skirt back meant avoiding the world.
A common slang-ish idiom with a similar vibe is 'ununu elemek eleğini asmak'.
It's rare for a romantic relationship. It's better for social groups or 'the dating scene' in general.
Expressions liées
el çekmek
similarTo give up on a specific task or claim.
köşesine çekilmek
synonymTo withdraw to one's corner; to live a quiet life.
emekli olmak
specialized formTo retire (officially).
ununu elemek eleğini asmak
similarTo have finished one's life work.
