Signification
Someone who has lost all self-control.
Contexte culturel
In classic Turkish movies, the 'gözü dönmüş' villain is a staple character. They often have a dramatic zoom-in on their eyes to show they have lost their humanity. Journalists frequently use 'gözü dönmüş cani' (the crazed monster/killer) in headlines to describe perpetrators of violent crimes, emphasizing the lack of reason. There is a belief that extreme emotions can lead to 'cinnet' (temporary madness). 'Gözü dönmek' is the physical sign that a person is under the influence of their 'nefs' (lower self). In big cities like Istanbul, 'gözü dönmek' is often associated with 'trafik magandası' (traffic ruffians) who lose control over minor incidents.
Don't use for 'Excitement'
Even if you are 'crazy excited', do not use this. It sounds like you are about to commit a crime.
Use with 'Adeta'
Adding 'adeta' (as if/virtually) before the phrase makes it sound more idiomatic and natural: 'Adeta gözü döndü.'
Signification
Someone who has lost all self-control.
Don't use for 'Excitement'
Even if you are 'crazy excited', do not use this. It sounds like you are about to commit a crime.
Use with 'Adeta'
Adding 'adeta' (as if/virtually) before the phrase makes it sound more idiomatic and natural: 'Adeta gözü döndü.'
News Context
If you hear this on Turkish news, pay attention to the story—it's almost always a serious incident.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Müdür, raporun hatalı olduğunu görünce öfkeden ______.
The context of 'anger' (öfke) and a 'mistake' (hata) requires the idiom for losing control.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'gözü dönmüş'?
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisi için 'gözü dönmüş' denir?
Attacking others with a bat in traffic is a clear sign of losing all rational control.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Ali neden bu kadar bağırıyor?' Mehmet: 'Bilmiyorum, bir anda ______.'
Shouting (bağırmak) is a symptom of 'gözü dönmek'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Gözü Dönmek vs. Gözü Kararmak
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMüdür, raporun hatalı olduğunu görünce öfkeden ______.
The context of 'anger' (öfke) and a 'mistake' (hata) requires the idiom for losing control.
Aşağıdaki durumlardan hangisi için 'gözü dönmüş' denir?
Attacking others with a bat in traffic is a clear sign of losing all rational control.
Ayşe: 'Ali neden bu kadar bağırıyor?' Mehmet: 'Bilmiyorum, bir anda ______.'
Shouting (bağırmak) is a symptom of 'gözü dönmek'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but usually in retrospect. 'O an öfkeden gözüm döndü' (At that moment, I lost it).
Mostly, but also for extreme greed (hırs) or jealousy (kıskançlık).
No, it's a standard idiom used in newspapers, books, and daily speech.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but 'soğukkanlılığını korumak' (keeping one's cool) is the opposite action.
Yes, if you are talking about a group of people, like a crowd.
No, it's figurative. They can see, but they don't 'process' what they see rationally.
It is very common in both, especially in narrative storytelling.
Yes, a 'gözü dönmüş köpek' would be a rabid or extremely aggressive dog.
It's not a swear word, but calling someone 'gözü dönmüş' is a very strong accusation of being irrational/dangerous.
Don't use this. Use 'Aşktan gözü kör olmuş'. 'Gözü dönmek' is too violent for love.
Expressions liées
gözü kararmak
similarTo act recklessly or lose judgment momentarily.
zıvanadan çıkmak
synonymTo go crazy, to lose one's temper completely.
gözünü kan bürümek
specialized formTo be in a murderous rage.
kendini kaybetmek
similarTo lose oneself/lose control.
