뜻
Having no work or business
문화적 배경
In small towns, shopkeepers often sit on 'thinnai' (raised platforms) outside their shops. Shooing flies is a literal and metaphorical part of this slow-paced life. Unemployment is a major theme in Tamil movies (e.g., VIP, Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam). This idiom is frequently used to portray the 'vetti' (useless) youth hero. In rural areas, the phrase is more literal due to livestock and open markets. In urban areas, it's almost entirely metaphorical, used even in high-tech offices. Using this phrase about someone else can be seen as a mild insult, implying they are lazy or their business is failing. Use with caution.
Use with 'Summa'
Adding 'Summa' (simply) before the phrase makes it sound more natural: 'Summa ee ottittu irukken'.
Don't use for busy people
Never use this to describe someone who is actually working hard; it's an insult to their productivity.
뜻
Having no work or business
Use with 'Summa'
Adding 'Summa' (simply) before the phrase makes it sound more natural: 'Summa ee ottittu irukken'.
Don't use for busy people
Never use this to describe someone who is actually working hard; it's an insult to their productivity.
The 'Slang' version
In Chennai slang, people might just say 'Ore ee ottal' (Total fly-shooing) to describe a boring event.
Empathy
When a shopkeeper says this, it's often a sign of worry. Respond with 'Paravalla, neram aaga kootam varum' (It's okay, as time goes, the crowd will come).
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct meaning of 'ஈ ஓட்டுதல்' in this sentence: 'கடைக்கு ஒருத்தரும் வரல, நான் சும்மா ஈ ஓட்டிட்டு இருக்கேன்.'
What is the speaker doing?
The phrase 'ஈ ஓட்டுதல்' in a shop context means having no business/customers.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
அவன் வேலை இல்லாமல் வீட்டில் _______ இருக்கிறான்.
The idiom 'ஈ ஓட்டிக்கொண்டு' fits the context of being unemployed (வேலை இல்லாமல்).
Match the situation to the phrase.
Which situation best fits 'ஈ ஓட்டுதல்'?
An empty restaurant is a classic example of 'shooing flies'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Enna pa, business epdi poguthu? B: Enna solrathu... _________.
'Ore ee ottal thaan' is a common informal way to say business is very slow.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Where you'll see it
Places
- • Small shops
- • Empty offices
- • Homes
People
- • Unemployed youth
- • Bored shopkeepers
- • Idle students
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제What is the speaker doing?
The phrase 'ஈ ஓட்டுதல்' in a shop context means having no business/customers.
அவன் வேலை இல்லாமல் வீட்டில் _______ இருக்கிறான்.
The idiom 'ஈ ஓட்டிக்கொண்டு' fits the context of being unemployed (வேலை இல்லாமல்).
Which situation best fits 'ஈ ஓட்டுதல்'?
An empty restaurant is a classic example of 'shooing flies'.
A: Enna pa, business epdi poguthu? B: Enna solrathu... _________.
'Ore ee ottal thaan' is a common informal way to say business is very slow.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It can be. It's fine for self-deprecation, but calling someone else's business 'fly-shooing' is insulting.
No, it's specifically a human idiom. You wouldn't say a dog is shooing flies unless it's literally doing it.
There isn't a single idiom, but 'Pichu uthurathu' (tearing it up/very busy) is a common slang opposite.
Originally yes, but now it applies to any situation where someone has no work.
Use 'Ee ottinen' (I shooed flies).
Yes, in the idiom 'Ee' is used as a collective noun.
No, it is too informal for professional correspondence.
Because flies gather where there is no movement or activity, especially in food stalls.
Yes, it is understood and used across most Tamil dialects.
No, the idiom is fixed with 'flies' (Ee).
관련 표현
வெட்டி வேலை
similarUseless work
சும்மா இருத்தல்
synonymJust being/sitting idle
கையை பிசைதல்
similarWringing one's hands
நேரத்தை கடத்துதல்
builds onPassing time
ஈயும் எறும்பும் இல்லை
specialized formNot even a fly or an ant is there
