Meaning
Literally putting an object down.
Cultural Background
The 'Ağsaqqal' (White Beard) system means that the word of an elder is nearly absolute. Putting their word down is considered a major social sin. If a guest makes a request, the host feels a 'minnət' (obligation). To 'put the guest's word down' would bring shame to the house. Modern youth use 'Məni yerə qoyma' when asking for favors in dating or social media contexts, often with a more casual tone. In Azerbaijani business, relationships (tanışlıq) often matter more than contracts. 'Putting a partner's word down' can end a business relationship permanently.
Use it for favors
If you want someone to definitely do you a favor, add 'Sözümü yerə qoyma' at the end of your request. It adds emotional weight.
Don't over use
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for things that actually matter to you.
Meaning
Literally putting an object down.
Use it for favors
If you want someone to definitely do you a favor, add 'Sözümü yerə qoyma' at the end of your request. It adds emotional weight.
Don't over use
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for things that actually matter to you.
The 'Head' vs 'Ground'
Remember that 'Baş üstə' (On my head) is the positive answer to 'Sözümü yerə qoyma'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'yerə qoymaq'.
Mən sənin sözünü heç vaxt ______.
The future negative 'yerə qoymaram' (I will never put it down) is the standard way to promise loyalty.
Which sentence uses the idiom to mean 'humiliation'?
Hansı cümlədə 'yerə qoymaq' təhqir mənasındadır?
Putting a *person* down in front of others implies humiliation.
Complete the dialogue respectfully.
Ağsaqqal: 'Oğlum, mənə kömək elə.' Gənc: '_______, baba.'
This is the most respectful way to accept an elder's request.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A politician fails to keep a campaign promise.
'Vəd' means promise. Putting a promise on the ground means breaking it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMən sənin sözünü heç vaxt ______.
The future negative 'yerə qoymaram' (I will never put it down) is the standard way to promise loyalty.
Hansı cümlədə 'yerə qoymaq' təhqir mənasındadır?
Putting a *person* down in front of others implies humiliation.
Ağsaqqal: 'Oğlum, mənə kömək elə.' Gənc: '_______, baba.'
This is the most respectful way to accept an elder's request.
Situation: A politician fails to keep a campaign promise.
'Vəd' means promise. Putting a promise on the ground means breaking it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it's better to use 'Etimadınızı yerə qoymaram' (I won't let your trust down).
No, the phrase itself isn't rude, but the action of 'putting a word down' is considered rude in society.
The opposite is 'Sözünü tutmaq' (to keep one's word) or 'Sözünü uca tutmaq' (to hold one's word high).
No, it can apply to 'hörmət' (respect), 'ad' (name/reputation), and 'etimad' (trust).
Simply say: 'Sözünü yerə qoymaram.'
Related Phrases
Sözündən çıxmaq
synonymTo go out of someone's word
Yerdə qalmamaq
contrastTo not remain on the ground
Başına qoymaq
contrastTo put on one's head
Yerlə bir etmək
specialized formTo make one with the ground
