Signification
Working without taking any breaks.
Contexte culturel
In many Turkish offices, staying late and working 'kafasını kaldırmadan' is seen as a sign of loyalty, though this is changing with younger generations. During the 'LGS' or 'YKS' exam preparation years, Turkish students are often described with this idiom as they face intense competition. Traditional Turkish arts like 'Ebru' (marbling) or 'Tezhip' (illumination) require the artist to work without lifting their head to maintain precision. If you see someone working 'kafasını kaldırmadan,' it is considered polite not to interrupt them even for a quick greeting.
Use it for praise
It's a very positive way to describe someone's dedication in a professional setting.
Watch the possessive
Always check who is working. If it's 'we,' it's 'kafamızı.' If it's 'you,' it's 'kafanı.'
Signification
Working without taking any breaks.
Use it for praise
It's a very positive way to describe someone's dedication in a professional setting.
Watch the possessive
Always check who is working. If it's 'we,' it's 'kafamızı.' If it's 'you,' it's 'kafanı.'
Combine with time
Add 'saatlerce' (for hours) or 'günlerce' (for days) to make it even more impactful.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Sınav haftası geldiğinde Ali kütüphanede ________ çalışır.
Since the subject is 'Ali' (he), we must use the 3rd person singular possessive 'kafasını'.
Which sentence best describes someone working with extreme focus?
Hangisi çok yoğun çalışan birini anlatır?
'Kafasını kaldırmadan çalışmak' is the idiom for intense focus. 'Kafasına göre' means doing as one pleases.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Ayşe: 'Dün akşam seni aradım ama açmadın.' Mehmet: 'Kusura bakma, projeyi bitirmek için ________.'
Mehmet is talking about himself, so he uses 'kafamı' and 'çalıştım'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the idiom.
Which situation fits 'kafasını kaldırmadan çalışmak'?
The idiom describes intense, uninterrupted work, which fits the programmer scenario.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSınav haftası geldiğinde Ali kütüphanede ________ çalışır.
Since the subject is 'Ali' (he), we must use the 3rd person singular possessive 'kafasını'.
Hangisi çok yoğun çalışan birini anlatır?
'Kafasını kaldırmadan çalışmak' is the idiom for intense focus. 'Kafasına göre' means doing as one pleases.
Ayşe: 'Dün akşam seni aradım ama açmadın.' Mehmet: 'Kusura bakma, projeyi bitirmek için ________.'
Mehmet is talking about himself, so he uses 'kafamı' and 'çalıştım'.
Which situation fits 'kafasını kaldırmadan çalışmak'?
The idiom describes intense, uninterrupted work, which fits the programmer scenario.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, 'başını kaldırmadan çalışmak' is also correct and slightly more formal.
Usually yes, but figuratively it just means they are not taking breaks or getting distracted.
Not usually. It's often seen as a sign of being a hard worker, though people might worry about your health.
Yes, if you are very focused on a hobby like painting or coding, it works perfectly.
Expressions liées
arı gibi çalışmak
synonymTo work like a bee.
canını dişine takmak
similarTo work with all one's might.
gecesini gündüzüne katmak
similarTo work day and night.
yan gelip yatmak
contrastTo lie down and be lazy.
