Signification
To threaten someone to make them back down.
Contexte culturel
In Turkish 'Dizi' (TV series), characters often use 'gözdağı' as a plot device. It is considered a sign of a 'heavy' (ağır) character to give a gözdağı without shouting. Political rhetoric in Turkey frequently employs this idiom to describe foreign policy or internal opposition dynamics. It is a staple of newspaper headlines. The concept of 'dağlama' (branding) was a real practice. Using it as a metaphor for the eye shows how visual and visceral Ottoman-era threats were. The 'stern look' (sert bakış) is a non-verbal form of 'gözdağı' very common in traditional Turkish families, especially from fathers or elders.
Use it in News
If you are reading a Turkish newspaper, look for this phrase in headlines about Greece, the USA, or football derbies. It's the most common context.
Don't over-use
It's a strong idiom. Using it for minor things makes you sound overly dramatic or aggressive.
Signification
To threaten someone to make them back down.
Use it in News
If you are reading a Turkish newspaper, look for this phrase in headlines about Greece, the USA, or football derbies. It's the most common context.
Don't over-use
It's a strong idiom. Using it for minor things makes you sound overly dramatic or aggressive.
The 'Bakış' connection
Often paired with 'bakışlarıyla' (with their looks). 'Bakışlarıyla ona gözdağı verdi' is a very native-sounding sentence.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Patron, geç kalan çalışanlara ______ ______ için sert bir konuşma yaptı.
The sentence requires an infinitive form to express purpose ('in order to').
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde 'gözdağı vermek' doğru kullanılmıştır?
Option B is the only one where intimidation/warning makes sense in context.
Match the situation with the intended 'gözdağı'.
Eşleştirme yapın:
These are the most logical pairings for the context of each action.
Complete the dialogue.
Ahmet: Rakip takımın kaptanı maçtan önce 'Sizi sahaya gömeceğiz' dedi. Mehmet: Boşver, sadece bize ______ ______ çalışıyor.
The phrase 'çalışıyor' (is trying to) requires the dative infinitive '-maya/meye'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPatron, geç kalan çalışanlara ______ ______ için sert bir konuşma yaptı.
The sentence requires an infinitive form to express purpose ('in order to').
Aşağıdaki cümlelerin hangisinde 'gözdağı vermek' doğru kullanılmıştır?
Option B is the only one where intimidation/warning makes sense in context.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most logical pairings for the context of each action.
Ahmet: Rakip takımın kaptanı maçtan önce 'Sizi sahaya gömeceğiz' dedi. Mehmet: Boşver, sadece bize ______ ______ çalışıyor.
The phrase 'çalışıyor' (is trying to) requires the dative infinitive '-maya/meye'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt is written as one word: 'gözdağı'. Writing it as 'göz dağı' is a common spelling error.
Yes, but use a playful tone. For example, 'Sana gözdağı veriyorum, pastamı yeme!' (I'm warning you, don't eat my cake!).
'Tehdit' is a general threat. 'Gözdağı' is a specific type of threat intended to intimidate someone into submission through a show of power.
No, it comes from 'dağlamak' (to brand/cauterize). It's a common point of confusion for learners.
Expressions liées
aba altından sopa göstermek
similarTo threaten subtly or indirectly.
meydan okumak
contrastTo openly challenge or defy someone.
korku salmak
similarTo spread fear among a group.
diş göstermek
similarTo show one's teeth (to show one is ready to fight).
