Signification
Being controlled by someone else easily.
Contexte culturel
In classic Turkish movies, the 'rich girl/poor boy' or vice versa tropes often feature one character being a 'toy' in the hands of a villainous third party or a manipulative parent. Arabesk music is filled with themes of being a 'toy' for fate (kader) or a cruel lover. It resonates with the cultural concept of 'çile' (suffering). In the fast-paced business world of Levent or Maslak, this phrase is used to describe 'yes-men' who lose their professional integrity to please their superiors. Turkish families are often tight-knit, and sometimes 'elinde oyuncak olmak' is used to describe a husband who is perceived to be too controlled by his mother-in-law or wife, often in a derogatory way.
Use with 'Resmen'
Adding 'resmen' (literally/officially) before the idiom adds emphasis: 'Resmen elinde oyuncak oldu.'
Don't use for children
If a child is playing with a toy, don't use this idiom. It's only for people being controlled.
Signification
Being controlled by someone else easily.
Use with 'Resmen'
Adding 'resmen' (literally/officially) before the idiom adds emphasis: 'Resmen elinde oyuncak oldu.'
Don't use for children
If a child is playing with a toy, don't use this idiom. It's only for people being controlled.
The 'Hand' matters
Remember to change 'el' to match the controller: 'Annemin elinde', 'Onun elinde', 'Müdürün elinde'.
Emotional Weight
This is a heavy idiom. It implies the person has lost their dignity, so use it carefully.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of 'elinde oyuncak olmak'.
O kadar zayıf bir karakteri var ki, herkesin ______ ______ ______.
The context describes a continuous state due to character weakness, so 'elinde oyuncak oluyor' is correct.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to describe a political situation?
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde deyim doğru kullanılmıştır?
This sentence correctly uses the figurative meaning of being controlled by a larger power.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Can: 'Müdür ne derse yapıyorum, hiç itiraz edemiyorum.' Efe: 'Yapma be abi, resmen adamın ______ ______ ______.'
Efe is pointing out that Can is being controlled, which fits the idiom perfectly.
Match the situation with the correct reaction.
Situation: A man spends all his money because his girlfriend asks him to, even though he doesn't want to.
The man is being manipulated into spending money against his will.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO kadar zayıf bir karakteri var ki, herkesin ______ ______ ______.
The context describes a continuous state due to character weakness, so 'elinde oyuncak oluyor' is correct.
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde deyim doğru kullanılmıştır?
This sentence correctly uses the figurative meaning of being controlled by a larger power.
Can: 'Müdür ne derse yapıyorum, hiç itiraz edemiyorum.' Efe: 'Yapma be abi, resmen adamın ______ ______ ______.'
Efe is pointing out that Can is being controlled, which fits the idiom perfectly.
Situation: A man spends all his money because his girlfriend asks him to, even though he doesn't want to.
The man is being manipulated into spending money against his will.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. Pets are expected to be controlled. It's specifically for humans who should have their own will.
Yes, it always implies a lack of agency and a negative power dynamic.
'Kukla' (puppet) is more often used for political or formal control, while 'oyuncak' is more common for personal relationships.
Yes, if you are the one controlling them, but it sounds very arrogant and mean.
Biz onların elinde oyuncak olduk (We became toys in their hands).
Yes, to describe companies or employees being manipulated by larger forces.
No, it is very much alive and used daily in modern Turkish.
Only literally. Figuratively, it's for people or entities like countries/companies.
The 'miş' past tense (olmuş) is very common because we usually realize the situation after it has happened.
Not really. The concept itself is impolite. You could say 'birinin etkisinde kalmak' (to be under someone's influence) instead.
Expressions liées
parmağında oynatmak
similarTo have someone under one's thumb / to manipulate easily.
kukla gibi yönetilmek
synonymTo be managed like a puppet.
ağzına bakmak
similarTo hang on someone's every word.
ipini eline vermek
builds onTo give the ropes (control) to someone else.
paspas olmak
contrastTo be a doormat.
