Signification
To avoid doing a task by finding excuses.
Contexte culturel
The idiom is inseparable from Nasreddin Hodja, a 13th-century satirical figure. His stories often use 'absurd logic' to point out human flaws like greed, laziness, or dishonesty. In Turkish offices, 'ipe un sermek' is often used to describe bureaucratic delays. If a department doesn't want to approve a request, they might ask for endless, unnecessary paperwork. Because Turkish culture is 'high-context,' people rarely say a flat 'no.' They prefer to give excuses. 'İpe un sermek' is the social tool used to acknowledge that everyone knows the excuse is fake. The phrase appears in many songs and TV shows (dizis). It is a staple of comedy, used to characterize 'fırlama' (cheeky/dodgy) characters who always try to get out of work.
Use it with 'yine'
This idiom is very often used with 'yine' (again) because flaky people tend to repeat their behavior. 'Yine ipe un seriyor!'
Don't be too aggressive
Calling someone out with this can be seen as a bit confrontational. Use it with a smile if you're joking with a friend.
Signification
To avoid doing a task by finding excuses.
Use it with 'yine'
This idiom is very often used with 'yine' (again) because flaky people tend to repeat their behavior. 'Yine ipe un seriyor!'
Don't be too aggressive
Calling someone out with this can be seen as a bit confrontational. Use it with a smile if you're joking with a friend.
Master the conjugation
Remember that 'sermek' is the only part that changes. Practice: seriyorum, serdim, sermişim, sereceğim.
Teste-toi
Which situation best fits the idiom 'ipe un sermek'?
Ahmet's boss asked him to finish the report by Friday. Ahmet said...
Option B is a ridiculous excuse, which is the definition of 'ipe un sermek.'
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Bize yardım etmemek için yine ______ ______ ______.
The standard form is 'ipe un sermek.' 'Seriyor' is the present continuous form which fits the context of 'again' (yine).
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: Yarın pikniğe geliyor musun? Mehmet: Gelemem, çünkü yarın gökyüzü çok mavi olacak, gözlerim yorulur. Ayşe: ________________!
Ayşe is calling out Mehmet's ridiculous excuse using the idiom.
Match the person to their behavior.
Who is 'ipe un seren'?
Washing dust is an impossible/ridiculous excuse.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAhmet's boss asked him to finish the report by Friday. Ahmet said...
Option B is a ridiculous excuse, which is the definition of 'ipe un sermek.'
Bize yardım etmemek için yine ______ ______ ______.
The standard form is 'ipe un sermek.' 'Seriyor' is the present continuous form which fits the context of 'again' (yine).
Ayşe: Yarın pikniğe geliyor musun? Mehmet: Gelemem, çünkü yarın gökyüzü çok mavi olacak, gözlerim yorulur. Ayşe: ________________!
Ayşe is calling out Mehmet's ridiculous excuse using the idiom.
Who is 'ipe un seren'?
Washing dust is an impossible/ridiculous excuse.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. It's informal and slightly accusatory, but often used playfully between friends.
No, it's too casual. Use 'gecikme için mazeret sunmak' instead.
He is a historical/fictional character in Turkish culture known for his funny and wise stories.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'canla başla çalışmak' (working with heart and soul) is a good contrast.
No, the idiom is fixed with 'un' (flour). Changing it would make it unrecognizable.
Yes, similar versions exist in Azeri and other Turkic dialects due to the shared Hodja heritage.
Not exactly. Procrastination is just delaying; 'ipe un sermek' specifically involves making up excuses to avoid the task.
Yes! 'Bugün spor yapmamak için ipe un seriyorum' (I'm making excuses to not exercise today).
Extremely common. You will hear it in almost every Turkish sitcom.
It means to spread, lay out, or hang (like laundry).
Expressions liées
yan çizmek
synonymTo back out of a deal or commitment.
yokuşa sürmek
similarTo make things difficult on purpose.
bahane uydurmak
synonymTo make up excuses.
iși sulandırmak
similarTo turn a serious matter into a joke to avoid it.
