Signification
Make sure you have a plan
Contexte culturel
In Turkish business, 'işi şansa bırakmamak' is a sign of a 'garantici' (guarantor/safe-player) personality. While risk-taking is admired in some cultures, in Turkey, being meticulous and having a backup plan is often more valued in middle management. The phrase is a modern echo of the 'Tie your donkey' proverb. It shows that even in a culture with strong religious faith, there is a deep-seated belief in human agency and the necessity of hard work. Because of the highly competitive national exams (LGS, YKS), students are constantly told to 'not leave it to chance' by studying even the most obscure topics. Even people who are superstitious in Turkey will use this phrase. It's as if they are saying, 'I'll do my part so the evil eye (nazar) has nothing to latch onto.'
Use it for emphasis
Adding 'asla' (never) makes it much stronger: 'İşi asla şansa bırakmam.'
Case sensitivity
Don't forget the '-a' on 'şansa'. If you say 'şans bırakma', it sounds like you are telling someone not to leave any luck for others!
Signification
Make sure you have a plan
Use it for emphasis
Adding 'asla' (never) makes it much stronger: 'İşi asla şansa bırakmam.'
Case sensitivity
Don't forget the '-a' on 'şansa'. If you say 'şans bırakma', it sounds like you are telling someone not to leave any luck for others!
Professionalism
In a Turkish job interview, saying 'Ben işi şansa bırakmayı sevmem' (I don't like leaving things to chance) is a great way to show you are a reliable worker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks with the correct case endings.
Yarınki toplantı çok önemli, iş__ şans__ bırakmayalım.
The object 'iş' needs the accusative '-i' and the target 'şans' needs the dative '-a'.
Which sentence is the most natural use of the phrase?
Arkadaşın çok önemli bir sınava girecek. Ona ne dersin?
Option B correctly uses the phrase to encourage thorough preparation.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Hava durumuna baktın mı? Yağmur yağabilir.' Mehmet: 'Evet, yanıma şemsiye aldım, _______.'
Mehmet took a precaution (umbrella), so he didn't want to leave it to chance.
Match the situation with the advice.
Situation: You are going to a job interview in a part of town you don't know.
Checking navigation is a precaution that fits the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Planning vs. Luck
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYarınki toplantı çok önemli, iş__ şans__ bırakmayalım.
The object 'iş' needs the accusative '-i' and the target 'şans' needs the dative '-a'.
Arkadaşın çok önemli bir sınava girecek. Ona ne dersin?
Option B correctly uses the phrase to encourage thorough preparation.
Ayşe: 'Hava durumuna baktın mı? Yağmur yağabilir.' Mehmet: 'Evet, yanıma şemsiye aldım, _______.'
Mehmet took a precaution (umbrella), so he didn't want to leave it to chance.
Situation: You are going to a job interview in a part of town you don't know.
Checking navigation is a precaution that fits the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, like taking an umbrella or checking if you have your keys.
The opposite would be 'akışına bırakmak' (to let it flow/go with the flow).
No, it's generally positive as it implies being responsible and careful.
Yes, adding the possessive '-im' (my work) makes it more personal and is very common.
You can also use 'tesadüf' (coincidence), but 'şans' is much more common in daily speech.
You say 'İşi şansa bıraktım.' (Usually said with a bit of regret).
Very often! Coaches say it when they want the team to keep scoring to ensure a win.
Culturally, yes. It's the 'doing your part' before saying 'Inshallah' (God willing).
Yes, e.g., 'Aşkımızı şansa bırakmayalım' (Let's not leave our love to chance/let's work on it).
Expressions liées
eşeğini sağlam kazığa bağlamak
synonymTo take every precaution before trusting in fate.
garantiye almak
similarTo secure something.
tedbiri elden bırakmamak
similarTo not let go of precautions.
şansını zorlamak
contrastTo push one's luck.
